If your vehicle is starting to act a little strange, such as a dash light coming on for a brief moment, dimming headlights, flickering gauges, or maybe an odd smell, it could one or more of several causes. So how do you know if your car has electrical problems? Without getting the right diagnosis, this problem can cause car trouble ranging from slow starts to a car that won’t start all. Take your car into your auto shop for a diagnostic test as soon as possible so you don’t find yourself stranded somewhere on a cold winter day.
The truth is, the alternator is often the culprit for electrical problems. It is a relatively simple part but it plays a critical role in a vehicle's operation. The mechanical energy of the engine's rotating crankshaft is turned into electricity through the alternator, which then powers your car's accessories as well as keeps the battery charged.
A failing alternator can show itself in several different ways:
- Dashboard Warning Light – This little light (shaped like a battery) serves as a warning that there are problems looming with the alternator.
- Strange Sounds – Strange sounds coming from under the hood indicates that the pulley in the alternator could be bad.
- Burning Smell – A burning smell could be caused by an over-heating alternator, worn-out wires, or a circuit or fuse malfunction.
- Dimming Lights – The car battery isn’t getting a charge from the alternator to run the lighting system.
- Dead Battery – This is especially common during the winter months when lights are on for longer and more often or if the lights are left on after turning the car off. Even though a jump-start to the battery took care of the immediate problem, remember to have your battery and alternator inspected in case they are starting to go bad.
- Electrical Malfunctions – Broken connections a little wire can lead to malfunctions in the electrical components, such as power windows, door locks, and accessories, just to name a few. Simply reconnecting an in-line fuse or connection can bring life back to your car.
Worried about how do you know if your car has electrical problems? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about alternator problems and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
If your vehicle is starting to act a little strange, such as a dash light coming on for a brief moment, dimming headlights, flickering gauges, or maybe an odd smell, it could one or more of several causes. So how do you know if your car has electrical problems? Without getting the right diagnosis, this problem can cause car trouble ranging from slow starts to a car that won’t start all. Take your car into your auto shop for a diagnostic test as soon as possible so you don’t find yourself stranded somewhere on a cold winter day.
The truth is, the alternator is often the culprit for electrical problems. It is a relatively simple part but it plays a critical role in a vehicle's operation. The mechanical energy of the engine's rotating crankshaft is turned into electricity through the alternator, which then powers your car's accessories as well as keeps the battery charged.
A failing alternator can show itself in several different ways:
- Dashboard Warning Light – This little light (shaped like a battery) serves as a warning that there are problems looming with the alternator.
- Strange Sounds – Strange sounds coming from under the hood indicates that the pulley in the alternator could be bad.
- Burning Smell – A burning smell could be caused by an over-heating alternator, worn-out wires, or a circuit or fuse malfunction.
- Dimming Lights – The car battery isn’t getting a charge from the alternator to run the lighting system.
- Dead Battery – This is especially common during the winter months when lights are on for longer and more often or if the lights are left on after turning the car off. Even though a jump-start to the battery took care of the immediate problem, remember to have your battery and alternator inspected in case they are starting to go bad.
- Electrical Malfunctions – Broken connections a little wire can lead to malfunctions in the electrical components, such as power windows, door locks, and accessories, just to name a few. Simply reconnecting an in-line fuse or connection can bring life back to your car.
Worried about how do you know if your car has electrical problems? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about alternator problems and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
