The alternator is the heart of your electrical changing system. Its purpose is to produce the power to supply your car’s electrical systems needs. The alternator works continually while your car is moving, and only shuts off when you switch off your engine. The hard-working alternator will eventually show signs of wear, and you’ll need an alternator repair. As your Toyota dealer, we can help you with a repair or replacement.
Signs You Need an Alternator Repair at Your Toyota Dealer
Dead Battery
A potential sign of a weak alternator is a dead battery. If your battery is less than three years old and dies, the alternator is a possible cause. Your alternator is responsible for charging your battery. In normal circumstances, the power used by your battery to start your engine and maintain the electrical system will be replaced by the alternator.
As your alternator starts to weaken, it will generate less power. This process may take time before its noticeable, as an alternator has surplus electrical capacity. The problem starts when the alternator isn’t able to supply all of your car’s electrical needs. Your electrical systems will receive less power, and the alternator won’t be able to fully charge your battery. Without a continual recharge, your battery will die.
Damaged Wiring
The electricity generated by your alternator has to be moved to the systems that need it. This is accomplished by a network of cables and wires that spread throughout your car to transmit power. The hot, constantly-moving environment of your engine isn’t an easy place for electrical wiring. The cables and wires are protected by thick plastic insulation and additional rubber protection.
The wiring in your car, like all other wirings, can wear and break. A broken wire can’t transmit electricity, and this will shut down the component it was supplying power to. The alternator, however, will continue to transmit power along the broken wire. The electricity will heat the wire, and this can cause the insulation to burn. If you smell the odor of burning plastic, your wiring is probably damaged.
Battery Warning Light
The battery warning light represents your car’s electrical generation system. It’s connected to sensors that monitor the alternator, the battery, and the electrical connections. These sensors continually send information to your car’s computer, which makes decisions based on this information. This warning light can signify a problem with the alternator.
The alternator generates 14.5 volts when it’s healthy. If the alternator is under a full load, it will still provide approximately 13.5 volts. When a weak alternator produces less than 13 volts, the sensor attached to the alternator will inform the computer. A charge this low means the alternator is wearing out. Although this light isn’t conclusively an alternator problem, we advise getting it checked ASAP.
A weak alternator can cause numerous problems with your Toyota. If you have any of these signs, or your car doesn’t feel right, call our service department at Rochester Toyota. Our Toyota-certified technicians can repair any problem for you.
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