Alternator Inspection & Charging System Service

How to Tell When Your Charging System Needs Servicing

The charging system should be inspected and serviced whenever you start to experience signs that it is starting to fail. If the alternator stops producing the necessary DC charge to keep things working, the battery will stop getting charged and you will not be able to start your car or use your electronic accessories. Among the signs you should look for to indicate a failing charging system are:

• The dome, dash, and headlights will start to dim — especially when all are turned on at the same time. You will also notice the lights brighten when you step on the accelerator to produce higher RPMs.
• Squealing noises coming from the engine compartment. The noise is produced by a loose serpentine belt spinning around the pulleys attached to the alternator and other engine parts.
• Grinding noises coming from the engine compartment. This happens when the internal bearings on the alternator begin to wear out and it is a sure sign of an impending problem.
• Electrical accessories start to lack the power needed to operate efficiently. You will notice things like the power seats taking a long time to adjust when you press the button to reposition them.
• The engine will stall while you are driving. This happens because the fuel injection system is not getting enough power.
• The check engine light comes on alerting you to low power.
• The battery dies and it cannot be recharged while running the vehicle.

If you experience any of these signs, you should go to Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing to get it checked out right away.

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