If you smell burning wires in your car’s engine , we recommend that you pull over, cut the engine, and call for a tow truck. Burning wires are a sign that the electrical system is overheating. If the system gets hot enough, it could start an electrical fire. A common reason why the electrical system will overheat is a malfunctioning alternator. Here are more signs that your car needs a new alternator.
Dashboard Warning Light
You may also notice that the battery light has turned on and will not turn off. This dashboard warning light covers the battery, the alternator, and other electrical system problems. If the light has turned on, it’s possible that the engine control unit is notifying you that the alternator needs to be replaced.
Dead Battery/Hard Starts
You may also start to have problems with your battery keeping a charge. This is because the alternator keeps the battery charged. If it is malfunctioning, you may end up with a dead battery frequently. Naturally, this can make starting your automobile difficult.
Grinding/Squealing Noises
The alternator can also malfunction if the serpentine belt needs to be tightened or replaced. If this is the case, you will hear squealing noises coming from the engine. If the alternator is having problems, you will hear grinding or growling noises coming from the engine.
Odd Light Problems
You may also start to have problems with all of your vehicle’s lights. Depending on whether the alternator is producing too little or too much electricity, the lights will be too dim or too bright, respectively. They may also flicker constantly. This is an indication that you do not have a steady supply of electricity going to your vehicle’s lights.
Rough Idling/Frequent Stalling
You also need a steady supply of electricity to go to the spark plugs. The spark plugs use the electricity to produce sparks in the combustion chamber for engine combustion. If your vehicle is idling roughly and stalling frequently, this is a sign that the spark plugs do not have enough power.
Slow/Malfunctioning Accessories
Finally, you will notice a difference in how the power accessories perform in your automobile. For example, a dying alternator can slow down the power windows. It can also cause the radio to turn off by itself because it does not have enough power.
We would be happy to help, so call us today for a service appointment for your automobile. We will test the alternator and replace it if you need a new one.
