3 SIGNS YOUR TRUCK NEEDS ALTERNATOR REPAIR

FOREWORD

Alternators are needed for medium-duty trucks to withstand harsh conditions and long trips. When the alternator fails, there is nothing to recharge the battery or provide power to the ignition system, and then the truck will eventually stall, leaving the driver stranded on the road. Cargo won't be delivered and customers won't be happy, which can lead to lost revenue.

A faulty alternator and a faulty battery have similar symptoms, so it's important to know which one is the true cause of your truck's charging problems. How can you tell if your vehicle needs an alternator repair before it's too late? Keep reading to learn more.

HOW DOES THE HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WORK?

Before we look at the three signs of a faulty alternator, let's look at the components that make up the truck's electrical system. The truck starting system consists of the battery, starter, and starter solenoid, and the charging system consists of the alternator and voltage regulator.

The battery stores the electrical current needed for the truck engine to start. The job of the alternator is to recharge the battery as the vehicle uses up its electrical charge to power the electrical systems inside the truck; along with providing constant power to the ignition system. All parts of the electrical system must function properly for the vehicle to operate at maximum efficiency.

DIMMING/FLICKERING INTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS

As mentioned earlier, the alternator provides power to maintain the electrical needs of the truck. And a faulty alternator can affect the truck's systems that depend on electricity. So naturally, the headlights will flicker, dim, become very bright for a moment, or even not work at all.

In some trucks, the alternator/charge indicator on the dashboard will light up. This is a sure sign that the alternator is not working properly and is not giving the vehicle enough power.

DEAD BATTERY

Since the alternator no longer returns electrical current to the battery, it is likely to die because it is responsible for performing all the electrical functions of the truck that it was not designed for.

When you experience slow cranking when starting the engine or when your truck suddenly stalls, that's a signal that it's time to think about where to find a "truck battery replacement near me."

OTHER SIGNS

Another sign of a faulty alternator is an unpleasant smell similar to burning rubber or rotten eggs. This is due to the pulley causing friction in the belt as the bearings in the alternator to begin to seize up. A strange howling or grinding sound is another sign that could indicate a faulty alternator.

VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY

To determine if you have a faulty battery or alternator, there are a few visual checks you can do before calling a service center. First, turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition. Then visually inspect the wires connected to the alternator, starter, and batteries and check for loose or broken connections.

CONCLUSION

If you suspect problems with your truck's alternator or battery, you should have it inspected and serviced by a mechanic experienced in truck alternator repair. A mechanic is the best person to determine if your alternator needs to be replaced.

If you're thinking about finding a "truck battery replacement near me," feel free to bring your truck to Tacoma Truck Repair Center, the premier family and operated truck service and repair shop in Washington State.

Just give us a call right now at 253-231-5500.