4 Signs Your Hyundai May Need an Alternator Repair

Your alternator is one of the most important systems in your vehicle. It is responsible for regulating power distribution throughout your vehicle. If it dies, your motor will no longer turn over when you turn your key in your ignition. Fortunately, things don’t need to get this bad. Today, we’re taking a look at several signs your vehicle may give you that you are in need of an alternator repair at your local Hyundai dealership. 

1. Your Headlights Are Malfunctioning

People often think that malfunctioning headlights are an indication of a bad lightbulb. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, problems with your headlights can indicate a problem with your alternator. For instance, your alternator may not deliver enough power to your headlights, causing them to dim significantly.

Similarly, you may get inconsistent power distribution to your headlights, resulting in flickering headlights. Finally, your alternator may be operating over 14.5 volts, causing the distribution of too much power to your headlights. This will cause your headlights to be too bright, potentially blinding oncoming traffic.

2. Your Accessories Are Malfunctioning

You also may have a problem with your alternator if your accessories aren’t working quite right. For instance, you may notice one or more of your power windows no longer rolling down. Similarly, you may notice that your power windows now roll down and up very slowly.

Other accessories you may notice problems with include the radio and seat warmers. For example, your radio may work only intermittently, or it may not work at all. Also, your seat warmers may not work at all, or they may work a little but not warm like they used to.

3. Your Dashboard Is Displaying Your Battery Warning Light

A third common sign that your alternator is dying is the battery warning light displaying on your dashboard. This can be a sign that your alternator is operating below 13 volts. When your alternator isn’t getting enough volts, it can’t do all of its jobs. For example, it may not be able to charge your battery.

If your battery isn’t being charged, your vehicle’s computer may think that the battery is losing power due to an inability to retain power. If you ignore this warning, you will try to start your car one day soon and discover that your battery wasn’t charged at all and will not start your car.

4. Stalling

Finally, there is a very good chance that your alternator is dying if your vehicle stalls frequently while you’re driving. Sometimes, frequent stalling can be a sign of bad spark plugs. However, the alternator is more likely to blame.

There are several signs that something may be wrong with your alternator. Some of the most common signs are malfunctioning headlights, malfunctioning accessories, and a lit battery warning light. If you’ve seen any of these signs of a dying alternator, visit us today at Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville on W Foxglove Dr. We will diagnose your problem and fix it quickly before it worsens.

Posted in Crain Hyundai Of Fayetteville Service, Fayetteville Hyundai Dealer, Fayetteville Hyundai Service | No Comments »