The alternator is one of the most important parts of your Ford’s electrical charging system. It generates electricity for all your car’s systems. A worn or damaged alternator will cause electrical problems, and even prevent your car from moving. As your Ford dealer, we can provide an alternator repair if you need one. These are some of the ways to tell you could have a failing alternator.
Flickering Lights
Flickering headlights could mean that the bulbs are wearing out. They can also signal a problem with your alternator. When your engine is running, the alternator supplies power to all your electrical systems. If the alternator is wearing out, it will gradually produce less electricity. The reduced electricity supply means that your car’s computer has to shift the available power to components depending on their demand.
Headlight bulbs require a steady power supply of electricity to work effectively. As electricity is shifted from component to component, the current reaching the bulbs can vary in strength. This will cause the lights to flicker. The lights may also become very bright if they receive more current than they’re designed to. Our technicians will test your alternator, and we can install a new one if it’s failing.
Blown Fuses
All the electrical systems in your car have fuses connected to them. A fuse protects its connected component from electrical spikes and shorts. If an electrical spike occurs, the rogue charge will be absorbed by the fuse. This causes the fuse to blow out and protects its attached component from damage. The component won’t work until the fuse is replaced.
If the alternator fuse blows, the alternator will immediately shut down. When the alternator isn’t working, the battery will supply power to your car’s systems. A battery has a limited electrical storage capacity, and it can easily drain completely in less than an hour. If the alternator fuse blows, the battery warning light on the dash will light up. Call our service department, and we’ll replace the blown fuse.
Grinding Noises
Grinding sounds are never a good sign. If you hear a grinding noise coming from under the hood, you could have a damaged alternator. The alternator produces power by spinning, and it has two bearings that allow it to spin at high speed. The constant spinning movement can cause damage to a bearing and it can fail.
A damaged bearing produces a grinding noise as the alternator spins. The damaged bearing places additional strain on the remaining bearing, and this could also fail. Broken bearings will prevent your alternator from spinning. We can easily examine the bearings and replace them or your alternator, depending on the situation.
If you have an alternator problem, call the experts at Zeigler Ford Plainwell.
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