Signs of a Bad Alternator

Alternators are essential to the overall running success of your vehicle. There are several ways in which you can tell if an alternator has turned bad. Alternators are known to go bad after a few years so make sure to rule out the possible sign of a bad alternator when you have vehicle issues. 

Jumping

You have probably heard of the term “jumping.” Most people will jump a vehicle whenever it has gone dead. Your car may not jump after a while if the alternator has gone sour. The alternator keeps your battery charged and this could be a recipe for disaster. Out rule a possible bad alternator before you waste your time changing the battery.

Service

A major sign of a bad alternator is when your car’s service light pops up. This light will tell you if your alternator has started going bad. You will see the light on the dashboard of your vehicle. If your service light comes on, then consider taking it to an auto service place to see what is wrong with your vehicle. Paying close attention to this light could help you avoid a completely dead vehicle.

Listen

The sound of a car that has a bad alternator is obvious. Drive with your windows down if you suspect a bad alternator and listen to the noise going on. If you listen close enough, you may hear a rattling noise. The rattling noise is a good indicator that your alternator has gone bad and you need to replace it. Have a friend listen if you are having problems hearing the noise yourself.