7 Signs Your Chevy Needs an Alternator Repair in Jacksonville, TX

Your alternator performs the impressive feat of turning your engine’s mechanical energy into electrical power. It does this by spinning magnets around a coil, which generates alternating current (AC). It then converts this AC energy into DC energy to power all the electricity in your car. If you experience any of the following seven indicators of alternator trouble, head to your local Chevy dealer in Jacksonville, TX for alternator repair before all your electronics start to fail.

Top Signs Your Car Needs an Alternator Repair

Dimming Headlamps

While driving at night, the first sign of alternator trouble you’ll notice is usually dimming headlights. Unless the bulbs or wiring are failing, a healthy alternator should always keep headlights at maximum brightness.

Faltering Electronics

The next sign will often be problems with other electronic accessories throughout your vehicle. You might notice issues with your air conditioning, power steering, automatic windows, radio, or something else.

Battery Not Charging

Your battery will no longer be charging when the alternator fails. This becomes most noticeable when the engine has stopped. Without engine power, your battery alone is responsible for all the electronics. None of them would work if the battery failed to charge.

Engine Won’t Start

Components of your engine also need electrical power to work, primarily the ignition coils. If your alternator failed to recharge your battery on your last drive, then your engine is unlikely to start when you next try to drive.

Engine Stalling

Without a fully functioning alternator, your battery will eventually stop sending voltage to your ignition coils, even while you’re on the road. This will cause misfiring cylinders and even stalling, where your engine suddenly cuts out altogether.

Whining Sounds

The alternator is powered by the engine via a strong rubber belt called a drive belt, which connects to the crankshaft. If this belt comes loose, the alternator stops working along with a few other vehicle accessories. Loose drive belts often create a strange whining noise as they rub awkwardly against the pulleys.

Battery Warning Light

The sophisticated sensors in your Chevy will pick up electrical problems as soon as your alternator starts to fail. You’ll see a battery-shaped light appear on your dashboard. But you won’t know for sure if the problem lies with your alternator or something else until you have it checked.

How a Chevy Dealer Revives an Alternator

Not all malfunctioning alternators need to be replaced. A professional technician will often be able to repair a faulty alternator if the damage isn’t too bad.

The problem might lie with one of the component parts, such as the regulator, rectifier, rotor, slip rings, stator, or pulley. The technician can dismantle the alternator to inspect each of these parts individually, replacing anything that needs it.

Have your alternator fixed or replaced today at Bacon Auto Country. Our courteous, knowledgeable staff are always ready to help solve any car problems you might have.

Tags: Alternator FAQs, Alternator Service
Posted in Alternator Repair in Jacksonville, TX | No Comments »