The reason why your power seats and windows have slowed down could be a problem with the alternator. A vehicle’s alternator lasts about 100,000 miles. Once your car, truck, or utility vehicle has reached this crucial milestone, you can’t count on your alternator to last much longer. Miller Brothers Auto Repair can test your alternator to see if it has died. Aside from slow power windows and seats, you will also notice the following problems.
Accessory Problems
Other accessories that can be affected by a dying alternator include your entertainment system, your information screen, your rear camera, and your vehicle’s GPS. All of these things rely on the alternator to power them. Consequently, when the alternator is going bad, these accessories will begin to act up.
Burning Wire Odors
A dying alternator will push too much voltage through the electrical system in an effort to supply the electricity needed to keep the battery charged and the accessories working. When this happens, the wires overheat. You will be able to smell the burning wires. You may also smell burning rubber, which is an indication that the accessory belt that powers the alternator is too loose.
Dead Battery
As we just mentioned, the alternator keeps the battery charged. If your alternator is dying or has died, your battery will die. Even if you jump-start the battery, it will be unable to hold a charge because the alternator is unable to feed it with power.
Dim Lights
A common sign that your vehicle has alternator trouble is dim lights. All of your vehicle’s lights will be affected. In some cases, before the lights go dim, they may suddenly be very bright and flicker between dim and bright. Eventually, the lights will go dim and it will be difficult to see.
Growling/Whining Noises
Growling noises coming from your engine could be coming from the alternator. The alternator has internal bearings that help it generate voltage. As these bearings wear down, they will begin to make growling or grinding sounds when the alternator is running. The alternator belt, i.e., the accessory belt, can also whine if it is too loose.
Hard Starts/Frequent Stalls
Finally, you will find it difficult to get your vehicle started if the alternator is going out. You may also experience frequent stalling because the alternator also powers the spark plugs. If the spark plugs are not firing correctly, your automobile will stall.
Again, Miller Brothers Auto Repair in Somerset, WI, would be happy to inspect your alternator and test it to see if it is generating voltage. Call us today.