You are miles from nowhere when suddenly, your headlights dim, your dashboard flickers, and your car starts losing power. No, it’s not a scene from an action thriller—it’s a sign that your alternator might be failing. But how do you know when it’s time to replace it? Let’s break down the signs before your car breaks down on you.
What is an alternator?
The alternator is a small but mighty component responsible for keeping your battery charged and your vehicle’s electrical systems running smoothly. It converts kinetic energy into electrical energy. That energy charges your car’s battery so that it can start and also powers your car when running. Over time, wear and tear can reduce the alternator’s efficiency, preventing it from fully charging the battery. While there’s no exact timeframe for replacement, alternators typically last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. It’s risky to drive a car with a bad alternator. It can leave you stranded.
Bad battery or bad alternator?
Since the alternator and battery work closely together, sometimes the signs you are seeing could mean you need to replace the battery and not the alternator. Consider the age of both parts and their condition. The average battery life is 3-5 years, so if your battery hasn’t been replaced in that long, check that first.
Signs of a bad battery:
- Your vehicle is hard to start or won’t start at all.
- You hear a clicking noise when trying to start the car, or it takes longer for the engine to catch.
- You notice dim or flickering headlights, taillights or dashboard lights.
- Your car consistently has a dead battery. This could also be due to a bad alternator.
Signs of a bad alternator:
- You notice dim or very bright headlights. (This is due to the inconsistent flow of electricity generated by the alternator.)
- Your vehicle doesn’t start.
- Your lights and gauges dim, and then your car stalls when driving.
- There is a warning light on your dashboard.
- You notice a burnt rubber smell and/or loud grinding noise.
Do you have a multimeter? That’s a surefire way to know if the alternator is failing. When the car is not running, check the voltage at the battery. It should be between 12 and 12.5 volts. Then check the voltage again when the car is running. The voltage level should increase between 13.5 and 14.5. If the voltage does not increase, the alternator is bad. If it does increase, yet you are still experiencing some of the issues listed above, then it is likely that the battery is bad.
How to Replace the Alternator
You can certainly take your car to your mechanic for an alternator replacement. However, if you’re handy and have some experience working on cars, here is a guide to replacing your alternator.
Pro tip: take photos of each piece before disconnecting them so you know how to hook everything back up.
Check Your Vehicle’s Manual: Identify the type of alternator you need and purchase it.
- Gather Your Supplies: Get a socket and wrench set, gloves, safety glasses, and a memory saver. A memory saver provides a small current to preserve your car’s electronics and prevent the need for reprogramming; it typically plugs into the power port.
- Backup Electronic Data (if needed): Refer to your manual to determine if backing up preset electronic data from your car’s computer is necessary.
- Turn Off the Engine: Shut off your car’s engine and put on your safety gear.
- Disconnect the Battery: Remove the negative cable from the car battery. Disconnecting the positive cable is optional.
- Loosen the Belt Tensioner: Release the tension on the serpentine belt and remove it. Inspect the belt for wear and tear, replacing it if needed.
- Remove Alternator Attachments: Disconnect all cables and bolts securing the alternator, including the voltage regulator connector, the alternator’s positive cable, the brace nut and bolt, and the lower mounting bolt.
- Replace the Alternator: Remove the old alternator and install the new one in the same position.
- Reassemble: Reattach all previously disconnected components.
- Test Voltage: If available, use a multimeter to ensure the voltage reads between 13.5 and 14.5 volts when running.
Maintaining Your Alternator
You also can take steps to reduce the wear and tear on your alternator and keeping it working at its best.
- Schedule regular maintenance and ask your mechanic to check the alternator every time. Regular maintenance also will help your car last longer.
- Regularly clean your alternator to remove dirt, grease, and debris. These can cause it to overheat.
- Tighten loose connections that can affect the alternator’s performance.
- Look out for fluid leaks around the alternator. Fluid and oil buildup can shorten an alternator’s lifespan. Identify the source of the leak as soon as possible. (Usually, it’s not the alternator that is leaking.)
- Keep your belts in good condition. Worn belts can loosen the alternator mountings.
- Be careful with aftermarket electronics. Improperly installing them can overload the alternator.
- Maintain and replace your battery as needed so that you will know that it’s not the battery if your vehicle’s electrical system fails.
Finally, the right coverage for your vehicle is important for added peace of mind. Schedule an annual review with your insurer to make sure your vehicle is fully protected. Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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