You may not be an automotive enthusiast, but nevertheless rely on your car to take you back and forth to work with no issues. However, when something starts to go wrong perhaps the first warning signs is one of those illuminated bulbs on the dashboard. If an icon in the shape of a battery is all lit up, you may be cursing this storage device, especially as you may have recently replaced it. However, you shouldn't jump to conclusions as the problem may lie somewhere else entirely. What should you be looking at instead?
Don't Blame the Battery
Essentially, an illuminated battery icon basically means that there is an issue with your recharging system and not necessarily with the battery itself. In fact, the problem may well be traced to the alternator, the device that is meant to recharge the battery. Simply put, if the alternator is not working correctly the battery will only last for so long, as it will expend its power and have nothing more to give. Eventually, you won't be able to start the car and even though you may be able to "jump start" it to get it going, you will be stranded once again once you turn off the ignition.
Watch for These Signs
One way to tell if the alternator is in poor shape is to look at the headlights or lights on your dashboard and see if they grow dimmer or brighter as you rev the engine. You may also notice that the dashboard warning light comes on only when you switch on some power-hungry electrical accessories, such as the A/C or your heating system.
Understand What Could Be Going Wrong
Within the alternator is a rotor that is connected to an engine pulley, together with a number of components that regulate and alternate power. Diodes can be affected by a buildup of heat and can deteriorate with age and when they do so, the alternator will stop working. It's also possible that the bearings within the alternator have come to the end of their life and cannot adequately support the internal rotor that spins at high speed. Furthermore, it is possible that the drive belt that connects the pulley to the source of power is worn and if this should be the case, you're likely to hear a squealing or screeching noise, as well.
So before you curse the battery any more, take the vehicle into a qualified mechanic to see if alternator repair should be the real focus of your attention.
Share29 November 2017
Hello, my name is Brian and if there is one thing I like to do, it is to go driving in my car. There is no better way to relax and unwind than heading out on the open road. I am not an auto mechanic or a car dealer, but over the years I have spent many years working with people such people and they have been kind enough to teach me a thing or two about buying and maintain automobiles. I have decided to start this blog so I can share everything I have learnt with the rest of the world.