Alternator Service Near Oceanside, CA
Alternator Service with Premier Chevrolet of Carlsbad
When you go out to the driveway or your garage, you expect that the engine will start when you turn the key in your vehicle. Most of the time, this happens in just a few seconds. When you turn the key and nothing happens, you may wonder what’s wrong. While the battery is often the first to consider, a bad alternator could also be the culprit. If you live in Escondido, Poway, or Vista, you can get alternator service at Premier Chevrolet of Carlsbad.
The Role of Your Vehicle’s Alternator
The alternator on your car, truck, or SUV is like a generator to your home. It takes mechanical energy that comes from the engine and turns it into electrical energy that can be used to power the battery, radio, A/C, lights, and other accessories. The alternator operates by a belt on the crankshaft pulley of the engine. It’s usually attached to the side of the engine or in close proximity and is made up of several parts.
What Happens When the Alternator Doesn’t Work
When the alternator fails, it can’t power your lights, radio, or other accessories. These components must rely solely on the battery, which can’t stay charged without the alternator. Your vehicle may run for a while with a bad alternator, but it will slowly drain the battery until the engine shuts down.
Signs That Your Alternator is Going Bad
You may see a light come on and stay lit on your dashboard. It may display “ALT” or “Check Engine”. You may also see a battery light that indicates a problem with the starting system and not just the battery.
One of the first signs of a bad alternator is dimming lights. They may flicker inside the cabin, or your taillights or headlights may become noticeably less bright. Other electrical components may not function as well as normal, such as power windows rolling up or down slower than normal.
You might start to hear strange noises, such as a squealing or grinding sound. A squeal could mean a problem with the serpentine belt while a grinding or growling noise may be from the pulley being out of alignment or a bearing in the alternator wearing out. Your alternator could have a smell of burned rubber, which might mean a worn-out belt.
You may also have difficulty starting the vehicle if the alternator has to work harder to charge the battery. If you notice any of these issues, you should bring in your vehicle for service at Premier Chevrolet of Carlsbad. We can diagnose the issue and have a new alternator installed to get you back on the road again. Schedule service online or give us a call, so we can check your vehicle before you get stalled somewhere with a vehicle that won’t start.
Let Premier Chevrolet of Carlsbad help keep you on the road with our alternator service. Contact us today for an appointment, so you can stay as you travel on the highway.