The alternator charges the battery, allowing you to use those nifty electronic accessories in your car. When an alternator is malfunctioning or failing, it will cause an array of vehicle problems. Below are ways to tell when your vehicle needs an alternator repair from the qualified technicians at your Infiniti dealer.
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Does Your Infiniti Need an Alternator Repair From Your Infiniti Dealer?
The Battery Warning Light Is Illuminated
An illuminated battery light could indicate that the electrical system, including the alternator, is not working correctly. The voltage might fluctuate when the alternator malfunctions and trigger the battery warning light. If the battery light is on, it’s best to ask your Infiniti technician to inspect your vehicle before you get stranded next to the road.
You Experience Electrical Issues
When your alternator malfunctions, the computer will cut power to non-essential accessories first, causing all kinds of problems with the power locks and heated seats, and your car’s windows and windshield wipers will move slower. If you experience electrical issues, your Infiniti technician will sort out the problem in a flash.
Your Headlights Are Dimming or Flickering
An alternator that is working should ensure that your vehicle’s headlights are bright at all times. When the alternator fails, the headlights will switch between bright and dim as you accelerate, sometimes even flicker, and the dashboard lights will seem dimmer than usual. For your safety, get your car to your dealership asap and ask your Infiniti technician to check your alternator.
You Hear Unfamiliar Noises
An alternator has many moving components, and when they don’t work or break, you will hear grinding or whining noises from under the hood. The noises are from a misaligned belt, or the bearings are bad. Before more damage occurs, visit your dealership for repairs.
The Cables, Wires, or Connections Are Loose or Broken
Loose cables, wires, and connections will reduce the electricity flow. The alternator will work harder and produce more energy, sending too much electricity, giving off a burning electrical odor.
You Smell a Burnt Rubber or Electrical Odor
When the alternator pushes too much electricity through the wires, the wires will heat up and cause an electrical odor. If you smell a burning odor, don’t ignore it. To avoid further damage, attend to the problem as soon as possible.
You Find It Hard to Start Your Car
When it’s hard to start your car, you usually think it’s the battery, but a malfunctioning alternator could also make it difficult to start your vehicle. If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition, the alternator could be the culprit. Your Infiniti technician will get to the root of the problem and get you back on the road in no time at all.
You’ve Got Battery Problems
When an alternator malfunctions, it won’t sufficiently charge the battery. To find out if it’s your battery or the alternator causing the problem, jump-start your car. If your car keeps running, the battery is weak but if the car dies after you’ve jump-started it, blame your alternator.
The symptoms mentioned above are all warning signs that you need to get your vehicle to your Infiniti technician for a thorough alternator inspection and repair. Contact Bommarito Infiniti today. Our certified Infiniti technicians have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that your alternator is in perfect working condition.
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