Have you left the house, hopped in your car, turned the key, and only got a ‘click' in response? Or have you been driving and, suddenly, your headlights started to dim? It may not be due to a bad battery, but a failing alternator. Here are six signs that'll tell you it's time to bring your car to a car dealer in Jacksonville, FL for alternator repair. 6 Signs It's Time to Take Your Car in for an Alternator Repair in Jacksonville, FL 1. Battery Light The quickest way to know that your alternator needs repair are the warning lights. Different cars have different ways of telling you something's wrong, so you'll want to check your vehicle's owner's manual for indicators. If you're seeing a warning light while you're driving, find out what it means, and if it's a battery light you may have a serious issue with your alternator. more 2. Squealing or Grinding Noises When you're driving, do you hear your belt squealing? Or a metallic grinding? Sometimes the serpentine belt wears down and doesn't have the grip to turn the alternator, sometimes bearings in the alternator bend or break. If the alternator can't spin properly, it can't output electricity, but it can output a lot of noise. If you're hearing strange sounds coming from any part of your car, it's wise to bring your vehicle in for service. 3. Dim Lights The alternator generates electricity and keeps the battery charged as the car runs and the belt spins. If the alternator isn't working properly, it may not be able to provide enough charge to the battery to keep up with the demands of the vehicle. Usually, the headlights will start to dim, and then may brighten when you increase RPMs by accelerating. If this is happening to your car or truck, your alternator isn't operating correctly. 4. Electrical Issues Dimming lights are easier to see at night, but what about during the day? Sluggish electric windows, struggling power seats, or a radio turning itself off are all indicators of a lack of electricity. If your car is running, and you're seeing any of these issues, then your car isn't generating enough power. 5. Engine Stalling A stalling engine may be the scariest symptom of a bad alternator. Thankfully, it's usually prefaced with several of the above signs. If the alternator is unable to keep up with the demands of the battery, you'll see your car weakening before it turns off entirely. You'll need to charge the battery before the car will run again, but eventually the vehicle will run out of power unless you fix the alternator. 6. Dead Battery There are many reasons a battery could fail. Perhaps the battery isn't holding a charge, or maybe a cable is loose, but if you've charged or replaced your battery several times, then it may not be the battery that's bad. A bad alternator can ruin a good battery, and you may end up spending hundreds of dollars fixing the symptom rather than the cause. Schedule Alternator Service in Jacksonville Online Like any part of the car, an alternator will go bad over time and will require maintenance. If you're seeing signs that your alternator is going bad, and you're looking for a repair shop in Jacksonville, schedule an appointment with DARCARS Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM.
