what is the symptoms of a bad alternator?
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['What does an alternator do? ... ', 'Symptom #1 – Warning Indicator Light on Dashboard. ... ', 'Symptom #2 – Dim/Flickering Headlights. ... ', 'Symptom #3 – Dead Battery. ... ', 'Symptom #4 – Strange Sounds. ... ', 'Symptom #5 – Strange Smells. ... ', 'Symptom #6 – Slow Electrical Accessories. ... ', 'Symptom #7 – Regular Stalling/Difficulty Starting.']
742502
['Rattling, pinging or “knock”-like noises. When spark plugs begin to misfire, you may notice unusual noises from the force of the pistons and combustion not working properly. ... ', 'Hard vehicle start. ... ', 'Reduced performance. ... ', 'Poor fuel economy.']
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One of the easiest ways to test the integrity of your alternator is by using a very simple device called a voltmeter. Here's how to perform the test. The very first thing you need is to measure the voltage output of your car's battery.
393400
['Dim headlights. ... ', 'Clicking sound when you turn the key. ... ', 'Slow crank. ... ', 'Needing to press on the gas pedal to start. ... ', 'Backfiring.']
586215
While the engine is running, remove the negative cable from the battery. If the vehicle stalls or dies, the alternator is likely bad. This happens because the alternator is not generating enough electricity to keep the engine running on its own. If the car continues to the run, the problem may lie with the battery.
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['Decreased power when towing or going uphill.', 'Rough starts and shuddering idles.', 'Sluggish accelerating or a spongy engine response from the gas pedal.']
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['The Check Engine Light is On. ... ', 'The Engine is Slow to Start. ... ', 'The Lights Are Dim or You are Experiencing Electrical Issues. ... ', 'The Battery Connectors Are Corroded. ... ', 'You can smell something rotten. ... ', 'Your battery case is misshapen. ... ', 'Your battery is old.']
1398036
Bad diodes are a common cause of alternator failure. The diodes are part of the rectifier assembly that converts the alternator's AC output to DC. The alternator's charging output flows through six diodes in the rectifier assembly before it goes to the battery and electrical system.
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Alternator at Fault: However, a very simple way to check if the alternator is working is to run the car and disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If the vehicle stops running, then you probably have a bad alternator. You can also examine your interior and dashboard lights.
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First, open the hood and start the car. While the engine is running, remove the negative cable from the battery. If the vehicle stalls or dies, the alternator is likely bad. ... If the car continues to the run, the problem may lie with the battery.
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['Starting issues.', 'Poor idle.', 'Failed emissions.', 'Poor Performance.', 'Engine does not reach full RPM.', 'Increased fuel consumption.', 'Rough engine performance.', 'Surging and bucking under various throttle loads.']
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Dim or flickering headlights may also indicate alternator failure. You may find the lights brighten as RPMs pick up, but dim as RPMs falls. This is a sure sign that the alternator is not managing to generate enough power to keep up with the cars electrical needs.
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If your alternator has a bad diode, your battery can drain. The bad alternator diode can cause the circuit to charge even when the engine is shut off, and you end up in the morning with a car that won't start.
565255
The alternator provides power to the spark plugs that ignite the gasoline in your engine. When the alternator is failing, there might not be enough power in the spark plugs to keep the engine alive, which can cause it to stall for no reason while running, or to have trouble starting.
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['A slow starting engine.', 'Dim lights and electrical issues.', 'The check engine light is on.', 'A bad smell.', 'Corroded connectors.', 'A misshapen battery case.', 'An old battery.']
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You notice that your headlights or your dash lights flicker or get extra dim or bright. Or that your gauges are behaving strangely. If you jump start your car and it will start, but the engine dies right after the jump then it is most likely the alternator.
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["The Engine Misfires. Dirty fuel injectors may cause your vehicle's engine to misfire. ... ", "Idling Gets Rough. Does your vehicle sputter and shake when you're at a stop sign or sitting in traffic? ... ", 'Your Gas Mileage Tanks. ... ', 'The RPM Needle Starts to Dance. ... ', "Your Car Won't Start."]