Posted: 02/02/2022

What Are the Warning Signs of a Bad Alternator?

In terms of car parts, if the battery is the heart of your vehicle’s electrical system, the car part known as the alternator is the brain. It makes sure the battery is charging, the car starts, and the accessories work.

If your battery is dying and you're not sure why, the alternator may be bad. This happens when the battery overexerts itself trying to maintain power that should be supplied by the alternator. If you notice any of these symptoms of a bad alternator in a car, then it might be time to get a new alternator.

What are the Symptoms of a Bad Alternator in a Car?

Symptoms of a bad alternator include: short battery life, car struggling to start, battery dying right after starting, burning rubber or wire smells, battery warning light, or underperforming accessories.

Battery Life Doesn't Last as Long as Usual

If your battery is dying faster than usual, that’s usually a telltale symptom of a bad alternator in a car.

While dead batteries on their own aren’t necessarily reflective of a greater issue with the electrical system, a continuous drain on these batteries is a fairly surefire sign that the alternator will need to be replaced.

The Car Struggles to Start

If your battery is old and struggling to hold a charge, it might be time to purchase a new one. However, if the battery is new and the car is still having trouble starting, that's a likely symptom of a bad alternator, if it’s not further into the electrical system.

Battery Dies Quickly After Starting

If the battery dies soon after you start your car, it's likely the alternator isn't charging it properly.

This can be dangerous because your battery could die while you're driving, leaving you stranded. It's also worth noting that your accessories, if powered by electricity, will become disabled until the electrical system is fixed. However, that is only a danger if you can actually get your car to start all the way the first time, and a bad alternator is unlikely to allow it for more than a moment.

You Smell Burning Rubber or Wires

If you smell burning rubber or wires, it's likely a bad alternator symptom. This is because those smells are often associated with the belt and/or battery.

Because an alternator uses a belt to drive a pulley within the engine, burning rubber smells can indicate improper functioning of the alternator and its components.

The Battery Warning Light Comes On

If your battery warning light comes on while you're driving, it's time to have the alternator checked. This is a symptom of a bad alternator that is not charging the battery correctly.

One of the especially telling signs of a bad alternator is flickering the battery light, as it indicates the alternator's voltage is inconsistent , which aligns with the symptoms of a bad alternator.

Your Accessories Are Slow or Not Working At All

If you find your vehicle's windows are slow or sluggish, or if your windshield wipers take a little longer to make a full sweep across the windshield, the inconsistent electrical charge from a bad alternator might be to blame.

Your Vehicle Part Source

Arnold Motor Supply has been a leading supplier of auto parts since 1927. Founded and based in Iowa, we have locations all over the Midwest. Order your parts today and you'll be notified via email once your purchase is ready for pickup at your local Arnold Motor Supply or Auto Value parts store.