When an alternator malfunctions, the car can no longer convert engine power into electrical voltage to supply the car’s many electrical parts. Lacking the alternator’s supply of electricity, several vehicle accessories and essential vehicle functions will begin to stop working. Let’s take a look at the common signs that you need prompt alternator repair at your nearest Ford dealer.
Dashboard Warning Light
Whenever the car’s voltage falls below a certain necessary level, the battery warning light on the dashboard will light up. This warning light can be caused by faulty wiring, problems with the battery, or some other electrical problem, but it may also indicate a failing alternator.
Under-Charged Battery
One of the alternator’s most important jobs is to keep recharging the battery. When all is working well, your battery should be properly recharged from your daily driving. If you notice one day that you can’t start your car because the battery is dead, or your stereo, headlights, and other electrical components are struggling to function when the engine is off, then your alternator might have a fault.
Failing Electrical Components
While on the road, the alternator sends power to all the car’s electrical components, including the air-con, power windows, power steering, heated seats, windshield wipers, dashboard lights, and ignition coils. If some of these components start to malfunction, your alternator might be to blame.
Modern cars often have a priority system programmed in so that if the alternator fades, the reduced voltage will be cut from non-essential accessories first. So your stereo and air-con are likely to stop functioning before your ignition coils, power steering, and headlights do. This is intended to keep your car working safely until you can pull over.
Erratic Headlight Brightness
If you’re driving at night when your alternator malfunctions, you may notice your headlights becoming either too bright or too weak. This is the result of a suddenly unstable electrical supply.
Frequently Stalling Engine
The ignition coils and spark plugs that keep your car’s engine running require a steady voltage from the alternator. If this electrical supply ever falters, your spark plugs may begin to misfire and your engine might even stall.
Your Ford Dealer Can Diagnose the Problem
If you suspect alternator trouble, have a technician at your nearest dealership take a look. The technician will usually use a multimeter to test the alternator’s voltage output while the engine’s running.
An alternator’s normal voltage should be between 13.8 and 14.4 volts. If the multimeter’s reading is too low or too high, the faulty alternator will probably need to be repaired or replaced.
If your vehicle is showing any of the signs listed above, have your alternator checked and repaired today at Joe Mahan Ford. We’ve been helping local drivers purchase excellent vehicles and enjoy safer, more enjoyable driving since 1974.
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