When you're experiencing problems starting your vehicle or your battery is continually losing charge, you may wonder whether the issue is with your alternator or your battery. This article will detail how to tell if the alternator or battery is the problem and what steps to take to diagnose and fix the issue.
Symptoms of a Failing Alternator
The alternator is in charge of keeping the battery charged and supplying power to the electrical system of the vehicle. If the alternator is failing, you may experience the following symptoms:
Dimming lights - When you turn on your headlights or use electrical accessories, the lights may dim or flicker.
Warning lights - Your dashboard warning lights, such as the battery or check engine light, may come on.
Electrical issues - Your power windows, power locks, and other electrical accessories may not work or may work intermittently.
Strange noises - You may hear grinding or whining noises coming from the alternator.
Symptoms of a Dead Battery
The battery is responsible for starting the vehicle and providing power to the electrical system when the engine is not running. If the battery is failing, you may experience the following symptoms:
Slow or no start - Your engine may turn over slowly or not start at all.
Electrical issues - Your power windows, power locks, and other electrical accessories may not work or may work intermittently.
Low battery charge - Your battery may continuously lose charge, requiring frequent jump-starts or recharging.
Swollen battery case - Your battery may have a swollen or bloated case, indicating a battery failure.
Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
To diagnose the issue, you can perform a simple test with a voltmeter to measure the voltage of your battery when the engine is running and when it's not. If the voltage is low when the engine is running, the alternator may be failing. If the voltage is low when the engine is not running, the battery may be the culprit.
If you suspect a failing alternator or battery, you can get the surest results from a professional auto repair shop. At our auto repair shop, we can perform further diagnostic tests to confirm the issue and provide the necessary repairs, such as replacing the alternator or battery.
We welcome you to bring your vehicle to Jesse's Garage European Auto Repair for top-notch repairs!