Is It Time for an Alternator Repair from Your CDJR Dealer? Here’s How to Tell

Some of your car’s parts can wear out over time, including some of the parts of your alternator. The belt may become misaligned or simply wear out, and you can also experience other problems with the alternator, leading you to need an alternator repair. Your CDJR dealer can handle any of your repair needs with ease, so head straight over when you realize it’s time to get the alternator fixed.

The Car Starts Making New Noises

New sounds cropping up when your vehicle is running are often one of the first signs that there’s something wrong with your car. When the alternator’s drive belt becomes misaligned or starts rubbing, then you’ll probably hear a grounding or whining noise. If the bearings or rotor shaft are malfunctioning, then you may also hear these noises.

The Battery Acts like It’s Dead

A dead battery prevents your car from starting, but your battery won’t always be the real culprit when your car won’t start. If your alternator is having issues, then it may not be charging the battery fully, leading the battery to act like it’s dead. There’s an easy way to tell whether your battery or alternator is the issue here, and it’s by jumpstarting the car.

A dead battery can typically be jumpstarted, and your car will continue to run as normal until you shut off the engine. However, when your alternator isn’t working properly, then your car won’t stay on when you jumpstart the battery. This is because the alternator isn’t charging the battery, so the car is just going to turn itself off all over again.

The Electrical Components Malfunction

Your car’s interior and exterior lights, as well as all of the accessories such as the power windows and USB ports, are powered by your battery. When your battery isn’t being charged properly by the alternator, then these parts will start to malfunction. The headlights will probably get dim and flicker, and the lights on your dashboard may even get dimmer, too.

The Engine May Smelt Strange

It’s generally a good idea to pop the hood every few weeks and take a peek at what’s going on under it to ensure everything looks okay. If you pop the hood and notice a burning smell coming from the engine, then your alternator or drive belt may be damaged, requiring a repair immediately.

Our technicians can easily repair your alternator, so visit Freedom Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM North by Ed Morse in Sherman, TX if your car lets you know it’s time to get the alternator fixed. You can get in touch with our service department at 903-357-4150.

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