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Your alternator keeps your car’s battery charged and powers all of your car’s electrical systems. Without a working alternator, your battery would have to supply all of your car’s power by itself. A car battery only has a limited electrical capacity, and it can completely drain in less than an hour. An alternator that fails will cause your battery to die very quickly. As your Chrysler dealer, we can help you when you need an alternator repair.
Anomalies in the Electrical System
When your alternator is working normally, it can easily supply power to all of your car’s systems. When the alternator begins to wear out, it produces less electrical power. Your electrical system has a fairly consistent power demand, and this results in an electrical shortfall. With limited power available, your car’s computer has to assign power on a priority basis. Crucial components, like spark plugs, have a higher priority than others.
Non-priority systems receive electricity but the supply is inconsistent. If a new system is switched on, for example, your CD player, power will be taken away from one of the other systems. This shifting power leads to problems like a sunroof that won’t close, or a heated seat that won’t warm up. These anomalies will grow more frequent as your alternator weakens.
Hot Metal and Buring Rubber
The smell of hot metal or burning rubber from your engine can be caused by several different things. One of the causes is a failing alternator. When your alternator gets weaker, it generates less power. Since the demand for your electrical system for power is fairly constant, the alternator will start working harder. An alternator that’s overworking will start to heat up as it tries to produce more power. The resulting hot metal smell from the engine is a sign that the alternator needs to be checked.
Your alternator is connected to the alternator belt, and this belt is connected to the crankshaft. As the crankshaft turns, it powers the alternator belt. The belt runs over a series of pulleys, causing the pulleys to spin. The spinning of these pulleys powers the devices connected to them. The alternator belt moves very fast, and it’s possible for it to slightly slip off one of the pulleys. The slipped belt generates more friction and gives off a burning rubber smell.
Battery Light
The battery-shaped icon on your dash represents the electrical charging system. Sensors are connected to all the vital components in your car. They monitor the components for any signs of trouble. Your alternator produces around 14 volts, but as it ages it produces less power. Any drop in power output will cause the battery light to come on.
You may see the battery light flicker on and off repeatedly. This is a sign of a weak alternator heating up as it tries to produce power.
If you have any problem with your alternator, call us right away at Price Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
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