The alternator in your Chevy produces the electrical power to maintain all of your car’s components and devices. It generates power through the movement of the crankshaft, and it supplies this power via a network of wires and cables. Your alternator will eventually wear out and it will need to be replaced. As your Chevy dealer, we can repair or replace the alternator for you. These are signs that you’re going to need an alternator repair.
Damaged Battery
A damaged battery can cause your alternator to wear out. When your engine is running, your alternator automatically starts recharging your battery. An alternator doesn’t charge at full capacity to protect itself against wear. Your battery will be charged at 100% for five minutes, and then the alternator switches to charging at 10% of your battery capacity.
If your battery is wearing out, it won’t send a signal back to the alternator that it’s received a charge. Your alternator will then continue to charge your battery at full capacity while it waits for confirmation from the battery. An alternator isn’t designed to use so much power for a continuous period. Your alternator will overstrain and suffer damage.
Dead Battery
Every driver hates the idea of a dead battery, and it will always happen at the worst possible time. Sometimes the battery may have worn out due to age, and replacing it will fix the problem. At other times, however, there could be a problem with the recharging system or your alternator. If your battery isn’t continually recharged, it will die.
A weakening alternator supplies less power, and this reduced power can lead to a dead battery. A large part of your battery’s power is used to start your car. To work correctly, the power used must be replaced by more power from the alternator. Each time a weak alternator charges the battery, the amount recharged will reduce. Your battery will run out of power and die. Our technicians will test the alternator and replace it if necessary.
Flickering Headlights
Headlights should have a constant and consistent beam. If the headlights begin to flicker, this suggests a problem with the lights or the charging system. One of the signs of a failing bulb is constant flickering before it fails. This failure is expected if your bulbs are old. Flickering bulbs that are relatively new, however, suggest an alternator problem.
The reduced power output from a weak alternator means that power has to be allocated to components on demand. This lack of constant power will cause power fluctuations. Headlight bulbs are particularly sensitive to power disturbances, and they will begin to flicker. Our technicians will test your bulbs, alternator, and electrical system and fix the problem.
Your alternator will slowly fail, and the signs it shows will give you time to get a replacement. If you’re concerned about your alternator, call our service department at Ted Britt Chevrolet. Our experts will find and fix the problem for you.
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