5 Signs Your VW May Need an Alternator Repair

Jul 1, 2021

There are many components that make up a car, and the alternator is a very crucial one. It keeps the car’s battery charged up, and without it, the battery would die and the car would become completely unresponsive. Fortunately, it’s quite easy to spot when your vehicle’s alternator is having technical difficulties, and this guide will go over some of the most common signs you need alternator repair from the Volkswagen dealer in Fayetteville, AR.

5 Signs Your VW May Need an Alternator Repair from Your Fayetteville, AR Volkswagen Dealer

1. Engine Trouble

If your engine is struggling, the alternator might be to blame. The alternator is responsible for providing energy to your car’s battery in order to start the engine, but if the battery doesn’t get enough power from the alternator, the ignition process can be much slower. Your engine might also stall or cut out randomly while you drive due to a lack of power from the alternator.

2. Warning Light

A simple way to spot if there’s a problem with your car’s alternator is to watch out for any warning lights on your dashboard. If you see a light shaped like a battery or one with the letters ALT or GEN, this means that there’s probably something wrong with the alternator, and you should head to the dealer for rapid repairs right away. Even the “Check Engine” light can be connected to alternator issues, so it’s important to not ignore these lights if they appear.

3. Unreliable Headlights

The alternator, together with the battery, helps to provide electrical energy to key components around your car, such as the headlights. If the alternator is broken or not working at 100% of its usual levels, the headlights may not get the power they need. So they might start flickering, or they might be weaker and dimmer than usual, which can be very dangerous for the driver and those around them.

4. Electrical Anomalies

As well as the headlights, there are many other components of your car that require electrical power, from the power locks and windows to the car radio, GPS, and air conditioning system too. If the alternator breaks down and these parts don’t get the energy they need, they can start acting unreliably. You might notice your car’s heated seats being slow to heat up, for example, or the GPS screen being slow or switching itself off.

5. Sounds and Smells

Many drivers also report odd odors and strange sounds when the alternator begins to fail. You might notice some burning smells in and around the car, for example, which could be caused by overheating wires or a burning alternator belt. You may also start to hearing whining or rattling sounds, which could be caused by problems with the alternator’s belt or bearings.

If you notice any of the signs or symptoms listed above, it’s wise to head to your local dealer and get your alternator checked and repaired by the professionals right away. Contract Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville to schedule repairs and services for your alternator or other car components.

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