If the headlights on your German automobile are suddenly too dim or flickering, it’s time to replace the alternator. This is a sign that the alternator is no longer producing enough power to illuminate the headlights to their full brightness. The alternator should be generating power between 13 volts and 14.5 volts. Power lower than 13 volts is going to affect the lights and other vehicle parts and accessories.
Burning Electricity Odors
If the alternator is malfunctioning, however, and producing electricity higher than 14.5 volts, your headlights and other vehicle lights will be brighter than normal. In addition, you will smell burning electricity coming from your German automobile’s engine because the alternator is overloading the electrical system. This can be dangerous as it can cause an electrical fire.
Difficult Starts/Dead Battery
Another sign that your German automobile needs a new alternator is if you are having problems starting the vehicle. If the battery is dying constantly yet it isn’t too old, the alternator is not keeping the battery charged and it is discharging until it is dead. Jump-starting the battery will not help because it will discharge until dead again. You need the alternator charging the battery.
Frequent Engine Stalls
You also need the alternator providing power to the spark plugs. This is how the spark plugs generate sparks in the cylinders. If the alternator has gone bad and the spark plugs are not getting the power they need, your German automobile’s engine will start to misfire and stall frequently.
Malfunctioning Accessories
Another thing that will go wrong is your power accessories will begin to malfunction, not work at all, or turn off by themselves. For example, if the alternator is not providing enough power to the radio, it is going to turn off by itself and refuse to turn back on.
Strange Engine Noises
As the alternator wears out, it may start to make grinding or growling noises in the engine. This is definitely a sign that it needs to be replaced because the internal mechanisms are grinding against each other. The alternator also uses a belt to help it produce power. If the belt is worn or too loose, you may hear whining or squealing coming from the engine.
Battery Warning Light
Finally, all of these things will be accompanied by a dashboard warning light. In the case of the alternator, the battery light will turn on. If you drive an older German automobile, you may see an ALT or GEN light illuminate on the dashboard.
Call HQ Autosport in Escondido, CA, today to schedule a service appointment for a new alternator.
