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Signs My SUV’s Alternator Is Dying

You may receive some warning before your SUV’s alternator dies. One thing to take into account is the average lifespan of an alternator, which is 100,000 miles or 10 years. If your SUV has this type of mileage or is this old, the alternator may need to be replaced relatively soon. Here are signs the time is now.

Burning Wires/Rubber

If you can smell burning wires or rubber anywhere in your SUV (including the engine), you may have an overactive alternator that is producing too much voltage. Too much voltage for your SUV’s electrical system is over 14.5 volts. This is the maximum voltage the alternator should produce.

Dashboard Warning

You may also end up with an illuminated warning light on your SUV’s dashboard. In the case of the alternator, the most common light the engine control module will turn on is the battery light. If your SUV is quite old, it may have an ALT or GEN light that the module will turn on.

Growling Engine Noises

The alternator can start to make a noise in the engine if it is going bad. The most common sound the alternator will make is a growling noise. This growling (or grinding) is the sound of the alternator wearing out and malfunctioning on the inside of the electrical system part.

Malfunctioning Accessories

Speaking of malfunctioning, your power accessories may start to malfunction if the alternator is bad. This includes the SUV’s power locks, seats, and windows, as well as the touchscreen, entertainment system, and USB charging ports. These accessories will slow down or shut down.

Malfunctioning Battery

You may also end up with a difficult time getting your SUV started because the battery keeps dying. If you have to jump-start the battery on a regular basis, the alternator isn’t keeping the battery charged. As an aside, this is also a sign that your SUV is ready for a new battery.

Malfunctioning Lights

Problems with the SUV’s light also point to the alternator. It may not be producing enough power for the lights to shine at their normal brightness. If the alternator is overproducing voltage, the lights may be unusually bright. They can also flicker between dim and bright.

Misfiring/Frequent Stalling

Finally, the alternator can directly affect how well the spark plugs work because it provides them with the electricity that they need to generate sparks. If the alternator is failing, the SUV may start to misfire and stall frequently because the plugs are not firing in all of the cylinders.

Call us today to schedule an appointment for your SUV if the alternator is malfunctioning.

Photo by loraks from Getty Images via Canva Pro
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