What are the symptoms of a car alternator failure?
3 Answers
The symptoms of a car alternator failure are: 1. Dimming of headlights or dashboard lights; 2. Damage to the battery or accumulator; 3. The belt does not rotate freely, causing excessive friction that heats up the belt, producing a burning rubber smell. The alternator is located at the front of the engine and can be seen by looking down after opening the engine hood. The function of the alternator is to supply power to all electrical equipment except the starter and to charge the battery while the engine is running normally. Precautions for using the alternator include: 1. Regularly clean dirt and dust from the alternator's surface to maintain cleanliness and good ventilation; 2. Periodically check the tightness of all fasteners related to the alternator and promptly tighten all screws; 3. If the alternator fails and stops generating electricity, the issue should be resolved promptly.
I just experienced an alternator failure and wanted to share my experience: When you're driving and that small red battery-shaped warning light on the dashboard suddenly comes on, it means the alternator isn't charging. Then at night, the headlights become noticeably dim as if in power-saving mode, sometimes even flickering, seriously reducing visibility. When starting the engine, it struggles multiple times before barely turning over, and in severe cases, it completely dies on the roadside. The AC blows weakly, and power windows move as slowly as an ox pulling a cart. Once on the highway, the engine stalled and nearly caused an accident, giving me quite a scare. My advice is to get the voltage checked at a repair shop as soon as you notice these signs - if it's below 12V, it's likely an alternator issue. Delaying too long can drain the battery completely, costing you unnecessary extra money.
As a seasoned driver, I've noticed that alternator failure symptoms are quite noticeable: Initially, the charging indicator light on the dashboard stubbornly remains lit or flickers, signaling a paralyzed charging system. The lighting system is the most affected, with the brightness of headlights and taillights significantly reduced, especially on rainy days or at dusk, impairing driving visibility. The engine compartment sometimes accompanies a piercing squeaking noise, a sign of internal bearing wear. The engine may struggle to start or stall during ignition, and electronic devices like the radio or power sockets receive insufficient power. A simple check can be done at home using a voltmeter to test the battery voltage, which should stabilize between 13.5 and 14.5 volts when the engine is running—if it's lower, get it fixed immediately. Timely action can prevent battery failure, saving money and ensuring safety.
