It is possible that there is something wrong with your new battery and this is why the battery light has turned on, but Sellers Automotive advises that the problem is more likely a malfunctioning alternator. Newer automobiles do not have the ALT or GEN lights on the dashboards anymore. Any electrical problem triggers the engine control unit to turn on the battery light. Aside from an illuminated battery light, here are other signs that it’s time to replace your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s alternator.
Accessory Problems
The alternator is the part in the electrical system that generates electricity. It then sends this electricity to your automobile’s power accessories so they have the power they need to do their jobs. If the alternator is not generating and sending enough electricity to your accessories, things such as the power windows will slow down and malfunction.
Difficult Starts
You may also find it difficult to get your automobile started because your new battery has died. Again, this could be a problem with the battery, but it can also be a sign that the alternator is not able to keep the battery charged as it normally would.
Flickering Lights
If your automobile’s lights have started flickering, are too dim, or are too bright, the alternator is having problems generating enough electricity to keep the lights at their normal brightness. In the case of the lights being too bright, the alternator is malfunctioning and generating too much electricity. Anything over 14.5 volts is too much.
Frequent Stalling
The alternator also helps to provide power to the spark plugs so they can ignite the fuel and air in the combustion chamber. If your automobile has started to misfire and stall frequently, it’s possible that the spark plugs are not getting power from the alternator.
Growling Sounds
You might also hear growling sounds coming from the engine if the alternator is going bad. When the alternator wears down, it will start to make grinding or growling noises. If the noise that you hear is squealing, it could be the alternator belt.
Hot Electricity
Finally, as we mentioned above, the alternator should never generate more than 14.5 volts of electricity in your automobile. Unfortunately, malfunctioning alternators can generate more than this and overload your vehicle’s electrical system. You will smell burning electricity in the engine.
Call Sellers Automotive in Sanford, NC, today to schedule a service visit so we can inspect and test your alternator to see if it needs to be replaced.