What are the Symptoms of a Bad Alternator?

Is My Alternator or Battery Faulty?

There is no worse feeling than having a car that will not start. While many of us immediately think the battery is the issue, this is not always the case. While the battery supplies power to the vehicle, the alternator is what keeps the battery charged. If the alternator begins to die, then the battery cannot hold a full charge. This leads to the vehicle not starting. This blog will go over some of the symptoms of a bad alternator and how to distinguish a faulty alternator from a bad battery.

How to Tell if Your Alternator is Dying

One of the easiest ways to tell if your alternator is having issues is if the dashboard indicator light turns on. If this light turns on, do not ignore it. Take the vehicle to your trusty mechanic or dealership service department to get it checked out. Another indicator is if you have been having electrical issues in your vehicle. This could be the overhead lights not turning on right away or some of the lights on the console flickering. This goes along with the headlights. The headlights may be dimmer than normal. You would most likely notice this while driving at night.

Another way to indicate the alternator is to blame is if you hear rattling. A bad alternator can sometimes cause bearings to come off, which can cause a slight rattling sound. If you have been having issues with your vehicle stalling or not starting right away, this is a clear sign. Lastly, if the battery continues to die, the alternator may be the culprit.

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Signs Your Car Battery is Dying

Alternatively, if the alternator is not the issue it is probably the battery. One clear sign that your battery is the issue is if you hear a clicking sound when you attempt to start your vehicle. This clicking is the engine trying to turn over. It may take a few extra seconds for the engine to come alive. Similar to the alternator, you may experience some electrical issues or the lights may be dimmer. You may want to look under the hood, because a car battery that smells or is dented, bulging, leaking, or corroded is a bad battery. These should be replaced immediately. Finally, if the battery is over four-years-old, it is likely close to the end and should be replaced regardless.

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