Alternator problems aren’t familiar to many drivers. The reason for this is that many of the signs that you need an alternator repair can appear to be caused by other components. As your Chevy dealer, we’d like to tell you about some of the problems that can affect your alternator. If you experience any of these problems, we can speedily fix them for you.
Blown Fuse
Your alternator is the power generator of your Chevy. It works tirelessly from the time you switch on your engine to produce the electricity your car requires. The alternator, like any other electrical system, is controlled by a fuse. The fuse is designed to protect your alternator from damage by blowing and shutting down the alternator. While this protects your alternator, it can cause problems for your car.
A blown alternator fuse will immediately shut off the alternator. If the alternator isn’t working, your battery will have to supply power if your car is moving. You’ll see a warning on the dash as the battery light will illuminate. A car battery isn’t designed to provide all of your car’s power, and this will cause your battery to fail. Once we replace the blown fuse, your alternator will work normally again.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are great at a party, but they’re a bad sign if they’re happening in your car. The lights in your car should maintain a steady luminescence. If the lights start to flicker, this is a clear indication that there’s a problem in the electrical system. Two possible causes of flickering lights are an alternator problem or a wiring problem.
Electricity produced by the alternator travels to the various components through a complicated wiring system. If any of these wires suffer damage, the power supply will fluctuate, and the lights will flicker. A damaged alternator may also be supplying less power than your car’s systems demand. The reduced power supply means electricity has to be shifted between components, and this will cause the lights to flicker.
Worn Alternator Belt
The alternator belt is one of the most important belts in your car. It connects a variety of different components, including the alternator, to the crankshaft. As the crankshaft turns, the alternator belt moves over a system of pulleys. Its movement causes each pulley to spin, and this powers each component. The alternator belt is made from reinforced rubber, but it can suffer damage.
The belt moves at high speed across the pulleys. To ensure your belt is in good condition, we check it as part of your Chevy’s service schedule. A worn belt can also lose some of its tension. If the belt becomes slack, it will affect your car’s power generation. You may hear thumping sounds from a loose belt or screeching noises from a belt running slightly off track.
Worn alternators produce strange problems. If you’re experiencing any electrical anomalies, call us right away at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith.
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