3 Signs You Need an Alternator Repair at Your Jeep Dealer

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Alternator problems can develop as it gets older. Worn or damaged parts will reduce the alternator’s ability to supply power, and this will affect all of your car’s systems. Fortunately, if you have an alternator problem in Erie County, PA, or beyond, your Jeep dealer can help you. These are some signs that you need to visit us for an alternator repair.

Your Car Stalls

Stalling can be very dangerous, particularly on the highway or during rush hour. Your engine will suddenly stop, and it can be difficult to restart it. Several different problems can cause stalling, including worn spark plugs, damaged ignition coils, and a fuel-rich engine. Stalling can also occur if your alternator is weakening.

A weakening alternator can’t supply enough power for your car’s systems. Your computer will shift power from system to system according to need. The computer is also programmed to ensure that critical systems like the starting system, spark plugs, and others always have sufficient power. If your alternator is seriously worn out, it may not have enough power to supply the spark plugs. We’ll investigate the cause of the problem and repair it.

Strange Electrical Behavior

Has your radio suddenly stopped? Is your sunroof refusing to open? Electrical glitches can sometimes occur completely randomly. If a problem appears, then disappears and never returns, it could be caused by a rare, completely random electrical issue. If your car starts to experience strange electrical phenomena, you could have a failing alternator.

As we saw above, a failing alternator can’t supply enough electricity despite its best efforts. Your computer must adjust the electrical supply to components to keep your car operating. This can mean electricity has to be drawn from the sunroof, radio, or other ancillary systems to supply more vital ones. As time passes, this problem will worsen. We’ll test your alternator and replace it if it’s failing.

Blown Alternator Fuse

The alternator has a fuse, like all other electrical systems. The purpose of the fuse is to protect the alternator against damage from rogue electrical charges or spikes. The fuse could blow out due to an electrical short, a fuse box problem, or simply because the fuse is old. If the alternator fuse blows, the alternator will immediately shut down until the fuse is replaced.

If the alternator can’t supply electricity, your car’s systems will draw electricity from the battery. A car battery isn’t designed to sustain all the systems for lengthy periods. At best, battery power will allow your car to operate for one hour before the battery drains completely. We can easily check and replace a failed alternator fuse, and the alternator will restart.

Alternators always provide warnings that they’re in trouble. If your alternator isn’t working correctly, call us right away at Cunningham Chrysler of Edinboro.

Tags: Alternator, Automotive Service
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