The alternator lies at the core of your car’s electrical system. By using the engine’s power to generate electricity, the alternator powers up the battery and runs other electronics throughout your car. If you find your electronics acting strangely or your battery failing to start your car, the alternator might be to blame. Here are a few warning signs that it’s time to visit your local Acura dealer for alternator repair.
5 Signs Your Acura Needs an Alternator Repair
Battery Refuses To Start Your Car
If your battery fails to deliver the surge of voltage required to start your engine, you’ll probably be wondering why the battery’s dead. You may have left the headlights on overnight. Alternatively, the alternator might have failed to properly recharge the battery during your last few drives.
You can diagnose the problem relatively easily. To do so, jump-start your car and then see if the engine continues to run. If the engine keeps going, your alternator is fine, and you might have an issue with your battery. But if the engine dies again shortly after a jump-start, then you know the alternator isn’t generating electricity as it should.
Erratic Headlights While Driving
When a car’s alternator starts to fail, there’s often a period where the supply of electricity becomes erratic, rising and falling. If you’re driving after dark, your headlights may fluctuate between dim and bright, and even start flickering.
Electronic Accessories Malfunctioning
As the alternator delivers voltage to all the car’s electronics, you’re likely to notice all kinds of problems if your alternator falters. Your sunroof, stereo, and phone charger might become very slow. Your front seats might fail to heat properly. You might also find your dashboard dials dimming as the electricity dries up.
Growling or Whining Sounds
Alternator failure is often preceded by a growling or whining sound. This noise comes from the serpentine belt slipping loose. The serpentine belt is a sturdy rubber belt that uses the engine’s power to charge the alternator.
Burning Rubber Smell in the Cabin
When the serpentine belt slips out of place, the additional friction can start to burn it, which creates a burning rubber smell. Likewise, if any of the essential wiring connected to the alternator has a problem, you might smell the wire’s insulation burning.
Your Acura Dealer Can Dissemble and Repair Your Alternator
When an alternator malfunctions, a skillful technician at your local dealership may be able to repair it by taking it apart and replacing the worn-out parts. You may find that replacing the brushes or regulator or tightening up a few bolts and wires can bring your alternator back to life.
Visit Open Road Acura of East Brunswick today to have your alternator fixed by experienced professionals. We’re a local award-winning dealership providing the region’s drivers with great cars and great customer service.
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