Are your vehicle’s dashboard and headlights dim or flickering? Do you struggle with the electronic accessories in your car? Is it difficult to start your vehicle? These are all indications that you may need an alternator repair from your Beachwood, OH, Porsche dealer. Our expert technicians will perform a thorough inspection and ensure that your alternator is in perfect working condition.
The Dashboard Battery Warning Light Is Illuminated
Your vehicle’s battery warning light does not only alert you when your battery is weak. The light will also go on when there is a problem with the electrical system. If your alternator is not supplying the necessary power or the voltage fluctuates, the battery light will go on. You shouldn’t ignore any of the dashboard warning lights. Schedule a service appointment with your technician as soon as possible to sort out the problem.
You Have Problems With the Accessories
The fluctuating voltage will influence the operation of your vehicle’s accessories. You will notice that your car’s dashboard and headlights will dim and flicker, and the electric windows and windshield wipers will move slower. Your heated seats and power locks will also not operate as they should. All in all, you will experience issues with all your vehicle’s accessories.
There are Unfamiliar Noises
An alternator is made up of many different moving parts. When there is a problem, you will hear strange whining, rattling, and growling noises. These sounds will come from under the hood and can be caused by any part not working properly. A worn or broken bearing will make a grinding noise. It could also be caused by a misaligned belt. The whining you hear is the voltage regulator signaling the alternator to charge more than it should. When you hear these noises, get help fast to avoid causing more damage to your vehicle.
Unpleasant Burning and Electrical Odors
Unpleasant burning or electrical odors are caused by a failing alternator with worn parts. You will smell burning when the alternator belt is not freely rotating on the pulleys. All the friction causes heat, and that is what you smell. When the alternator is malfunctioning, it pushes too much electricity through the wires, causing them to heat up. That is where that electrical smell is coming from.
You Will Find it Difficult to Start Your Car
When your vehicle’s alternator is not working as it should, it doesn’t charge the battery sufficiently while the engine is running. Soon you will find it difficult to start your vehicle because there is not enough power. Usually, the battery is to blame and the battery will eventually die.
You will hear a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition. Try to jump-start your car and if it keeps running after you jump-start it, it’s an indication of a weak battery. If it dies after you jump-start it, the alternator may be causing the problem.
If you experience any of these tell-tale symptoms, your car’s alternator is not operating effectively. Seek professional assistance as soon as possible before the problem causes extensive damage that will lead to expensive repairs and replacements. Contact Porsche Beachwood today for an alternator service. Our highly qualified technicians will ensure that your vehicle performs optimally.
Image courtesy of porsche.com
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