Signs of a Failing Alternator

Dim or flickering headlights

When an alternator wears out and fails, it can begin to provide inconsistent voltage to the electronic accessories it powers. This can cause your headlights to appear dimmer, brighter, or flicker than usual. The longer this continues, the more likely you are to have a real problem with a faulty alternator.

The battery is frequently drained

This is a difficult question to answer because it could mean so many things. A dead battery could be the result of something you forgot to plug in when you parked your car, or it could be that the battery is getting old and needs to be replaced. It could also be a sign that your alternator is wearing out. This is because a bad alternator can’t charge your car battery very well, which means that a battery that’s not fully charged will die under less load. If you haven’t had a new battery or had it checked in at least 5 years, you can start there. But if your battery is newer but it’s always dying, or your engine is slow to start, this could be a sign of a faulty alternator.

Electronic malfunction

The alternator not only charges your car’s battery, it also powers most of the electronic components you enjoy and rely on while driving. The power windows may be slower to lower, the radio may malfunction, the headlights may dim, or the seat heaters may stop working properly. Any of these could be signs of a faulty alternator.