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Your Acura’s alternator keeps the battery charged and allows you to use all those great electronic accessories in your MDX, Integra, or TLX. A problem with your alternator will cause numerous issues that require expert Acura repair from the qualified technicians at your Acura dealership. The following signs will warn you when to get an alternator repair before your headlights dim, your accessories fail, and you struggle to start your car.
1. The Battery Light Is On
When the battery light on your dashboard is on, there’s a problem with your car’s electrical system. An alternator not providing the necessary voltage will trigger the battery warning light.
2. Your Headlights Are Dim and Flicker
A failing alternator will not meet your car’s electrical needs and generate enough power to keep the lights on consistently. You will notice that your dashboard lights are dimmer, and your headlights flicker or grow from bright to dim as you accelerate.
3. The Accessories Are Acting Up
When your car’s alternator is not producing enough electricity, the computer will cut the power to non-vital accessories first, and you will notice several issues at once. Your windshield wipers and windows will move slower, the sunroof will get stuck, and the heated seats might not work.
4. There Are Loose, Broken, or Frayed Cables and Wires
Loose, broken, or frayed wires and cables will prevent or reduce the flow of electricity. The alternator will produce more energy and send too much electricity through the wires, causing the wires to heat up.
5. You Smell Hot Electrical Wires or Burning Rubber
An overworked alternator will give off an electrical smell. Because the belt is under constant tension and close to the engine, it causes a scent comparable to that of burning rubber when it wears out.
6. You Hear Whining, Growling, and Rattling Noises
A failing alternator will make strange noises. The noises could come from a tight or misaligned belt rubbing against the side of the pulley. In the worst cases, the alternator can damage your engine and make rattling noises. Still, because it’s nearly impossible to keep your car going with a malfunctioning alternator, you’ll get it fixed long before it causes severe damage.
7. You Struggle To Start Your Car
Your vehicle starts from power stored in the battery. When it’s hard to start your car and keep it running, it could be a problem with the alternator not charging the battery. When there’s not enough power from the alternator to keep the engine going, you’ll struggle to start your car, and it will stall.
8. The Battery Is Weak
A failing alternator will not properly charge the battery while the engine is running. If your car dies after a jump start, it’s most likely a failing alternator not providing enough power to the battery and not the battery itself.
If your car has any of the above problems, call Ed Martin Acura today to schedule an appointment. The qualified Acura technicians will sort out your vehicle’s electrical problems and ensure that your alternator works perfectly.
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