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All vehicles are designed and manufactured with many smaller parts that must work together with other various parts to allow the vehicle to start, stay running, switch gears, and propel forward. Of these various parts, the alternator is an extremely important part of the functionality of all vehicles. When this part fails, there are some serious side effects that occur. We have compiled a list of the common causes of alternator failure in many cars below.

What does the alternator do?

The alternator plays a critical role in the overall function of all vehicles. The alternator is responsible for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy to provide power to the battery allowing your vehicle to start as well as other various electrical components.

As a driver, when you turn the key to ignite the engine of your vehicle, many things must happen simultaneously to successfully start the car. When the engine is ignited, a drive belt that is attached to a pulley system attached to the alternator is powered. The pulley is responsible for turning the rotor shaft of the alternator that in turn generates an alternating current (AC), which is not usable through a battery. So the AC is then turned into DC, allowing various electronic systems to run through the battery as a medium.

Typical Causes of Alternator Failure

The alternator of a car is made of a durable material designed to last anywhere from 5 to 8 years. Over time, this part may experience failure as a result of various causes. The most commonly reported causes of alternator failure include:

• A dead alternator: As mentioned above, the alternator is designed to last approximately 5 years to 8 years, although this does not mean that the part cannot fail sooner. When the alternator dies, it is no longer able to create an alternating current that provides power to the battery, allowing your vehicle to start.
• Electronic computer problems: Modern-day vehicles are designed and manufactured with various electronic components such as an electronic computer module (ECM). The ECM is responsible for continually monitoring all various electronic components of a vehicle. When the ECM experiences failure, it can prevent the alternator from appropriately charging, even if the alternator has not gone bad. If this is the cause of alternator problems, you will likely experience other electronic issues throughout your vehicle.
• Wiring problems: There are many, many wires that are routed throughout your car to provide an electrical current thus powering a specific area. When your vehicle experiences a power surge or damage to one or more wires, the electrical current is in turn broken leaving your vehicle unable to receive power to the affected area.
• A bad fuse: A vehicle is manufactured with many fuses, each with its own specific duty,- including powering the alternator. Over time, these fuses experience a blowout or simply stop working resulting in the need for replacement.
• Broken or damaged belt and/or pulley: The pulley, attached to the alternator, is where mechanical energy is transferred to electrical energy. The belt and pulley are often not made of durable material leaving them subject to cracking, damage, or completely breaking.

Commonly Reported Warning Signs of a Failing Alternator

An alternator that is no longer able to function as it was designed to do will exhibit a number of warning signs including the most common:

• Electrical problems
• Engine stalling
• Vehicle unable to start
• Unusual sounds such as squealing, squeaking, or humming

Huron Automotive experts are here for you!

Huron Automotive, founded in 2010 in Green Bay, WI, has been helping drivers with automotive service and repairs as well as various tire and wheel needs.

Our team of highly-trained technicians is skilled in a wide variety of services including but not limited to:

• A/C service and repair
• Alternator repair
• Brake repair
• Oil change services
• Preventative maintenance
• Suspension repair
• Tire balancing, installation, or repair

At Huron Automotive, we strive to provide customers with unmatched customer service in addition to an exceptionally high quality of work from all of our technicians. We also provide customers with a comfortable area with free wifi, coffee, and bottled water while waiting. We understand that not all customers are able to drop their vehicle off during normal business hours which is why we provide a 24-hour drop-off availability. Give us a call today!