How to Tell if Your Alternator Is Failing

jescayeargan
Dec 9
2 min read

Your alternator is one of the hardest-working components under the hood. While your battery gets the car started, the alternator keeps everything running—powering your headlights, radio, AC, and charging the battery as you drive. When it starts to fail, your vehicle will give you warning signs. Catching these early can save you from a dead battery or unexpected breakdown.

Below are the most common symptoms of a failing alternator and what they mean.

1. Dim or Flickering Headlights

If you notice your headlights getting dimmer while driving—especially at idle—or flickering when you accelerate, your alternator may not be delivering steady power.

2. Battery Warning Light Comes On

The battery-shaped dashboard light doesn’t always mean the battery is the issue. Often, it’s signaling a charging problem caused by the alternator.

3. Electrical Accessories Acting Up

A weak alternator can cause:

Slow power windows
Malfunctioning radio
Dimming interior lights
Erratic gauges

If multiple electrical components struggle at the same time, the charging system is a likely culprit.

4. Dead Battery—Again

A failing alternator won’t keep your battery charged. If you’ve jumped your car more than once recently, the alternator may be to blame rather than the battery itself.

5. Strange Noises Under the Hood

Worn alternator bearings or a slipping belt can produce grinding, whining, or squealing noises.

6. Burning Smell

An overworked alternator may produce a hot electrical or burning rubber scent due to friction from a slipping belt or overheated components.

7. Engine Stalling

If the alternator can’t supply enough power to the spark plugs and fuel injectors, the engine may stall or hesitate during driving.

What to Do If You Suspect Alternator Trouble

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to have your charging system tested as soon as possible. Alternator issues tend to worsen quickly, and a sudden failure can leave you stranded.

Yeargan’s Automotive offers quick diagnostics and honest repair recommendations to keep you safely on the road.

📞 Call us: (919) 942-9009 🌐 Visit: YeargansAuto.com