The alternator is the most vital part of the electrical system as it supplies the power that most of your car’s systems require. Over time, the alternator can become worn or damaged, and problems will develop. If this happens, it is time to visit your friendly Toyota dealership for an alternator repair. These are a few signs that your alternator could be going bad.
Signs You Need an Alternator
Old Alternator
The alternator is strong and contains very few easily damaged parts, but it can still wear out. On average, an alternator has a useful lifespan of eight years. As the alternator ages, parts wear out, and it gradually slows down. The slowdown of the alternator affects all your car’s systems, as its reduced speed means less electricity is produced and supplied to your Toyota.
The battery warning light will illuminate when the alternator’s output drops to 13 volts or less. Your car’s systems will display a variety of issues ranging from electrical glitches to engine stalling, and these issues will become more frequent as time passes. We can easily resolve these problems by replacing the alternator.
Broken Rectifier
The rectifier is a small component inside the alternator that converts AC to DC. This conversion is essential for your electrical system, as your car’s systems can only use DC, while the alternator produces AC. A rectifier can fail due to wear or damage, which shuts down the conversion process. The alternator will continue to supply power, but your car’s systems will switch to drawing DC from the battery.
A car battery isn’t designed to supply power to all your car’s systems when the engine is running, as it only has limited electricity storage capacity. A failed rectifier will cause the battery warning light to illuminate in response to this problem immediately. The battery will steadily drain, and your engine will shut down in less than an hour as the electricity reserves are depleted. Our technicians will replace the rectifier, and your car’s systems will work again.
Broken Bearing
A clunking or grinding noise from the engine and an illuminated battery light are signs that your alternator is in trouble. An alternator spins at high speed to produce electricity. This high-speed movement is possible as the alternator sits on special bearings. As time passes, a worn bearing can break, and this produces a grinding or clunking noise as the alternator moves.
A broken bearing slows down the alternator, and this slowdown reduces electricity production. The healthy bearing has to carry more of the load, and this can cause it to also fail. Without the bearings, the alternator will shut down. We’ll replace both bearings to fix this issue.
If you think your alternator could be failing, call our service department ASAP at Bill Page Toyota in Falls Church, VA.
