The alternator is a mini dynamo that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. This ability to create electricity plays a vital role in your car’s operation. The energy it creates is used to power your car’s electrical accessories. It also provides the power to keep your car’s battery at full charge. Mechanical components can suffer wear, and the chances are that at some point you may need an alternator repair. As your Chrysler dealer, we can help you.
3 Signs Your CDJR Could Use an Alternator Repair at Your Chrysler Dealer
Dead Battery
Your car’s battery can sometimes die due to age or wear. It can also fail if your alternator wears out. A battery has a very limited electrical storage capacity, and it requires constant recharging to work properly. An alternator that’s wearing out can’t produce enough power for all the car’s components, and this will affect the battery’s ability to do its job.
Your battery uses a powerful electrical charge from the starter to crank your car. This charge is the single strongest drain on your battery’s power. A weak alternator may not have enough power to replace all of this energy. You can test a dead battery by jump-starting it. Once your engine starts, remove the jump cables immediately. If your engine dies almost immediately, you have an alternator problem. Our technicians can replace your worn alternator with a new one.
Battery Warning Light
The battery warning light is connected to sensors that monitor the different parts of your car’s electrical system. If your alternator is working normally, it produces between 13.5 and 14 volts. This power is more than sufficient to maintain your battery power and your car’s accessories. When an alternator starts to wear out, its power output drops. One of the sensors will note the reduced power output, and your battery warning light will come on.
The warning light can also come on if your battery is failing. Your alternator sends power to the battery, but a damaged battery loses its ability to fully charge. If one of the sensors detects that the battery isn’t charging, the warning light will come on. If your warning light lights up, call our service department. Our highly-skilled technicians will trace the fault repair it.
Flickering Headlights
If your headlights flicker, it could just be a sign that the bulbs are about to blow. The flickering, however, could also be caused by a weak alternator. A damaged alternator can’t supply electricity to all of the accessories, so your car’s computer has to prioritize which systems receive the limited electrical supply.
Your headlights require a consistent supply of power. The flickering lights can be a sign that the current reaching the bulbs is fluctuating. Our technicians will test your alternator, and we’ll also check the bulbs and wiring. We’ll have the problem fixed in no time.
If you experience any alternator problems, call our service department right away at All American Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Odessa.
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