Alternator problems can have serious consequences if they’re not fixed. The alternator generates all the electrical power for your car. If it fails, your Chevy won’t be able to move. Fortunately, if you experience any problems in Porterville, CA, your Chevy dealer can help you. These are a few signs you may need an alternator repair.
3 Signs You Need an Alternator Repair at Your Chevy Dealer
Blown Fuse
All electrical devices have fuses attached to them. This also applies to the electrical systems and devices in your car. The purpose of a fuse is to protect its attached component from damage due to electrical spikes or surges. The fuse will absorb the electrical charge and blow out. This protects the attached component but renders it useless until the fuse is replaced.
If your alternator fuse blows, the alternator won’t be harmed but it will switch off. The lack of power from the alternator will force the battery to supply your car’s electrical demands. A battery has only a limited storage capacity. These additional demands will quickly drain the battery and your car will stop. Our technicians can easily test the fuses and replace any blown ones. Your alternator will restart immediately.
Burning Wiring
Burning insulation has a foul, chemical smell. If you smell a burning plastic smell wafting from the engine, you could have damaged wiring. Your electrical system depends on huge numbers of wires to carry electricity from the alternator to every electrical system. The wiring is delicate and is protected against damage by thick plastic and rubber insulation.
Unfortunately, the insulation wiring can still wear out due to age. If a wire breaks, the alternator will still try to supply electricity through it. Broken wires offer high resistance to electrical current, and this causes the broken wire to heat up. The wiring can get hot enough to set its insulation on fire. We advise calling us ASAP, as burning plastic is toxic. We’ll test the wiring and replace any damaged sections.
Old Alternator
The alternator isn’t immune to aging, and time will eventually take its toll. As the alternator ages, it starts to decline. This decline is due to worn parts, and will gradually reduce the amount of electricity it produces. When an alternator can’t supply all the electricity your car’s systems demand, your computer will have to allocate power to the systems as needed.
Signs of an old, failing alternator include electrical glitches, dim lights, and even misfiring due to intermittent power supplied to spark plugs. We can test your alternator and replace it with a new one if it’s failing.
Alternator problems can sometimes appear to be caused by other systems. If your Chevy shows signs of trouble, call us at Merle Stone Chevrolet.
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