Signs You May Need an Alternator Repair at Your Ford Dealer

All your Ford’s electrical systems and components are powered by electricity generated by your alternator. The alternator works quietly and continuously to produce power. In time, parts of the alternator can weaken or break. In Amsterdam, NY, your Ford dealer can help you when you need an alternator repair. These are a few of the signs that your alternator may be failing.

The Battery Light Comes On

The battery light on your dash represents your electrical charging system. This light is connected to a variety of sensors in the charging system. Each of the sensors is attached to a component, and the sensors monitor their attached component for signs of potential problems. The sensors are capable of registering minute changes in a component.

A weakening alternator can trigger this light when its electrical output drops below 12 volts. A healthy alternator produces 14.5 volts, and will still supply 13 volts under a full load. If the alternator output drops to less than 12 volts, your alternator isn’t able to supply power to all of your car’s components. Our technicians will check your alternator and repair or replace it.

Dim Lights

If the lights in your car are dim, this suggests that something is wrong with your car’s electrical system. The problem is a lack of electrical supply, and this means a problem with your alternator. When an alternator starts to fail, it begins producing less electricity. The lack of electricity will start to affect all of your car’s systems.

Your headlights, cabin lights, and dash lights will all glow dimly as they are supplied with only enough power to light up. Sometimes you’ll see these lights become much brighter as more electricity becomes available. We can test your alternator for signs of weakness, and we’ll replace it if it’s failing. We’ll also check the dim bulbs, as fluctuating electricity supply will damage the bulbs.

Damaged Bearing

The movement of the alternator belt causes several pulleys to spin, and this spinning movement powers these components. The alternator is connected to its pulley by the rotor shaft. The alternator bearing attached to the rotor shaft ensures that all of the energy produced by the spinning rotor is transferred to the alternator.

As the bearing works continuously, it can eventually suffer damage. A damaged bearing will produce squealing sounds as your speed increases. This damaged bearing will also prevent your battery from recharging and can damage other parts of your alternator. Our technicians can replace the bearing for you.

You’ll always see signs that your alternator has a problem. Call us at Brown’s Ford of Amsterdam, and we’ll examine your alternator.

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