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6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator - Car Talk - Nairaland

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4 Typical Signs Of A Failing Radiator / 5 Common Signs Of A Failing Car Fuel Pump / 6 Warning Signs Of A Failing Alternator (2) (3) (4)

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6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by Godspower35(m): 1:01am On Jun 15, 2019
If you experience flashing headlights, stoppages or strange noises when driving, your car is not thrilled; most likely it's just a defective alternator. The alternator is a key component in your car's electrical system, converting crankshaft power into useful electricity to power your vehicle's electrical systems and helps recharge the battery. When it starts to fail, it can create a domino effect of electrical problems that can ultimately cause a breakdown.


Here are six symptoms to consider:

1.
The indicator light


It is very likely that your vehicle is equipped with a warning indicator light on the board labeled "ALT" or "GEN". This is usually the first indicator that the alternator is malfunctioning. Do not ignore this indicator, even if you do not experience other symptoms. Take the vehicle to a reliable automotive specialist for a diagnosis.

2.
The headlights are dim or blinking


Flashing or extinguished headlights are a strong signal that your alternator may not be working properly. The alternator provides power to the headlights, so the blinking usually means that the alternator is struggling to function.

3.
Other electrical faults


When the alternator malfunctions, other systems powered by the alternator may start to work. These can include power windows, power locks, dashboard lights, air conditioning and even your car radio. Other things may be causing these failures, but it's worth taking it to a reliable auto repair service for review.

4.
Abnormal noises


This seems like a vague symptom: after all, many things can cause unusual noises in the car. However, at times, alternator failure can cause some of the bearings to fail in the engine, creating unusual noises. The alternator could be the culprit, especially if it is accompanied by some of the other symptoms we have mentioned.

5.
The car stops or has difficulty starting


Your car does not only work with gasoline; It also works with electricity (although it might not be one of those hybrid vehicles). The alternator supplies power to the spark plugs that ignite the gasoline in your engine. When the alternator fails, there may not be enough spark plug energy to keep the engine alive, which may cause it to stop for no reason while it is running, or it may have trouble starting. Ignore this symptom, and your car will eventually not start at all.

6.
The battery dies


Obviously, batteries sometimes fail on their own, but a defective alternator can cause the battery to run out because it can not be recharged. If your battery runs out, have the alternator checked when replacing the battery so that it does not happen again.

POINTS TO NOTE:
The alternator of a vehicle is a major electrical system in your car,if it fails then your vehicle will not function as expected, it is advisable to periodically inspect in-order to prevent a severe breakdown. If you are not skilled in that aspect, you can contact a professional mechanic to inspect thoroughly.
[img]https://1.bp..com/-mzTZy3PdeRE/XQQvCNEKd6I/AAAAAAAACTQ/IDuxP7Q4hkcgxJtanLfiNXfNosJAKtm7QCLcBGAs/s320/car%2Balternator.jpg[/img]
http://www.eliancars.com/2019/06/6-expressions-of-failing-alternator.html

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by WiseBukoye(m): 5:38am On Jun 15, 2019
Thanks @ op. Very informative.
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by KingBaba1(m): 11:34am On Jun 15, 2019
Godspower35:
If you experience flashing headlights, stoppages or strange noises when driving, your car is not thrilled; most likely it's just a defective alternator. The alternator is a key component in your car's electrical system, converting crankshaft power into useful electricity to power your vehicle's electrical systems and helps recharge the battery. When it starts to fail, it can create a domino effect of electrical problems that can ultimately cause a breakdown.


Here are six symptoms to consider:

1.
The indicator light
Thumbs up

It is very likely that your vehicle is equipped with a warning indicator light on the board labeled "ALT" or "GEN". This is usually the first indicator that the alternator is malfunctioning. Do not ignore this indicator, even if you do not experience other symptoms. Take the vehicle to a reliable automotive specialist for a diagnosis.

2.
The headlights are dim or blinking


Flashing or extinguished headlights are a strong signal that your alternator may not be working properly. The alternator provides power to the headlights, so the blinking usually means that the alternator is struggling to function.

3.
Other electrical faults


When the alternator malfunctions, other systems powered by the alternator may start to work. These can include power windows, power locks, dashboard lights, air conditioning and even your car radio. Other things may be causing these failures, but it's worth taking it to a reliable auto repair service for review.

4.
Abnormal noises


This seems like a vague symptom: after all, many things can cause unusual noises in the car. However, at times, alternator failure can cause some of the bearings to fail in the engine, creating unusual noises. The alternator could be the culprit, especially if it is accompanied by some of the other symptoms we have mentioned.

5.
The car stops or has difficulty starting


Your car does not only work with gasoline; It also works with electricity (although it might not be one of those hybrid vehicles). The alternator supplies power to the spark plugs that ignite the gasoline in your engine. When the alternator fails, there may not be enough spark plug energy to keep the engine alive, which may cause it to stop for no reason while it is running, or it may have trouble starting. Ignore this symptom, and your car will eventually not start at all.

6.
The battery dies


Obviously, batteries sometimes fail on their own, but a defective alternator can cause the battery to run out because it can not be recharged. If your battery runs out, have the alternator checked when replacing the battery so that it does not happen again.

POINTS TO NOTE:
The alternator of a vehicle is a major electrical system in your car,if it fails then your vehicle will not function as expected, it is advisable to periodically inspect in-order to prevent a severe breakdown. If you are not skilled in that aspect, you can contact a professional mechanic to inspect thoroughly.
[img]https://1.bp..com/-mzTZy3PdeRE/XQQvCNEKd6I/AAAAAAAACTQ/IDuxP7Q4hkcgxJtanLfiNXfNosJAKtm7QCLcBGAs/s320/car%2Balternator.jpg[/img]
http://www.eliancars.com/2019/06/6-expressions-of-failing-alternator.html


Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by patienceKG: 11:34am On Jun 15, 2019
embarassed
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by NwaJozi: 11:39am On Jun 15, 2019
Thanks
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by xtophy1(m): 11:39am On Jun 15, 2019
Alternator
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by bigkahuna704(m): 11:42am On Jun 15, 2019
hujikkkopl:
.
Don't you get tired? undecided
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by RDPMAN: 11:43am On Jun 15, 2019
Okay...
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by alienvirus: 11:45am On Jun 15, 2019
What about flickering battery indicator?
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by holluphemydavid(m): 11:54am On Jun 15, 2019
Very informative
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by Sunandwater: 11:57am On Jun 15, 2019
Thanks. You are good.
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by McXponent(m): 12:10pm On Jun 15, 2019
Thank you op
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by BankyGee(m): 12:11pm On Jun 15, 2019
My car is good. Just passing with my GF gringringrin

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by ololadeajayi(f): 12:11pm On Jun 15, 2019
angry7
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by BankyGee(m): 12:12pm On Jun 15, 2019
ololadeajayi:
angry7
Space booker spotted gringringrin
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by NameChecker: 12:20pm On Jun 15, 2019
ok
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by Businext: 12:33pm On Jun 15, 2019
I beg help a friend in need
My car's central lock has stopped working
Now I've to lock all the car doors one by one

#giveahelpingadvice
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by femi4: 12:33pm On Jun 15, 2019
Bad alternator runs down battery quickly
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by femi4: 12:35pm On Jun 15, 2019
Businext:
I beg help a friend in need
My car's central lock has stopped working
Now I've to lock all the car doors one by one

#giveahelpingadvice
replace the engine
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by Mentorme: 12:48pm On Jun 15, 2019
Learning process in progress wink
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by dhesire(m): 1:45pm On Jun 15, 2019
This is apt.
Thanks for the info.
Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by ismail00(m): 2:00pm On Jun 15, 2019
LET ME ADD MY OWN

1.@OP INDICATING LIGHT. U FORGOT BATTERY DIAGRAM

2. WHEN UR BATTERY RUNS DOWN, U INSTALL ANOTHER ONE PRECISELY A NEW ONE , IT STILL RUNS DOWN THEN THERE ARE TWO POSSIBILITIES OF THE PROBLEM (I) BATTERY DRAINAGE I.E SOMETHING(IGNITION, LIGHTS, RADIO ETC) IS ON

(II) CHARGING SYSTEM.


3.A GENERATOR MIGHT BE UNDER CHARGING(UR CAR WILL START SLUGISH A DAY AFTER U USED UR CAR'S HEADLAMP) OR OVER CHARGING (IN THIS CASE UR BATTERY WILL BE RELEASING A VERY FOUL SMELL AND U WILL NOTICE SOME ACID SPILLAGE)



IF U ARE A TECHY GUY.GET A MULTI METER,START UR CAR'S ENGINE AND READ THE BATTERY. IT SHOULD GIVE A READING OF 13.90V-14.50V IF IT IS ABOVE OR BELOW THAT RANGE THEN IT IS OVER OR UNDER CHARGING RESPECTIVELY.

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: 6 Expressions Of A Failing Alternator by kaykeys(m): 7:09pm On Jun 15, 2019
Thanks OP for this... very informative...

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