3 Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Alternator Repair

Your alternator is one of the most crucial components in your car. It produces the electricity demanded by all your car’s electrical systems. An alternator can wear out through damage or age, and this causes electrical problems for your GMC. As your GMC dealer, we provide an alternator repair to fix this problem. These are signs that your alternator could be wearing out.

3 Signs You Need an Alternator Repair at Your GMC Dealer in Mansfield, OH

Your Battery Is Dead

The battery only stores electricity, it can’t produce it. This makes the battery dependent on the alternator for power. When your engine is running, the alternator begins recharging your battery. As your alternator ages, its electrical production slows down. This affects all your car’s systems, including the battery.

If your alternator is failing, it can’t generate enough power to completely recharge your battery. The electrical charge supplied by the battery to start your car uses a large portion of its stored power. If this power isn’t replaced, the battery will grow steadily weaker and eventually fail. Our technicians can replace a worn alternator very quickly.

Dim Lights

Dim lights can be a sign of a worn alternator, or they could mean your headlight bulbs are failing. An easy way to find the cause of the problem is to observe your dash and cabin lights. If these lights are also dim, the problem is due to a weak alternator. The dash and cabin lights aren’t affected by a headlight problem, but they are dependent on power from the alternator.

As your alternator gets weaker, its low electrical production will affect all your car’s systems. Your computer will shift the available electricity to components that need it the most. The headlights are a priority system, so the computer assigns enough power to them to light up. Once we replace the worn alternator, your headlights will return to normal brightness.

Worn Alternator Belt Tensioner

The alternator belt powers the alternator by utilizing the mechanical power of the crankshaft turning. This connects to the crankshaft, and it runs across a series of pulleys. The belt has to be kept at a constant tension. If the belt is too loose, it won’t work effectively, and the alternator will receive intermittent power. If the belt is too tight, the friction generated by the belt’s movement can cause it to snap.

The belt is kept at a fixed tension by the alternator belt tensioner. As time passes, the tensioner can become worn or damaged, and this affects the alternator belt. A damaged tensioner can lead to electrical failure if the alternator loses its power source. We’ll test the tensioner and repair or replace it to fix this problem.

Need Alternator Repair in Mansfield, OH?

If you suspect you have an alternator problem, call us right away at Mansfield GMC. You can get the necessary repairs completed by certified service professionals with genuine parts. Schedule here today!

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