Alternator in truck is one hard working component that keep things up and running. But what does alternator in truck actually do? Keep reading. We have include truck alternator problem in this post for you, so you can spot the problem before they become a major issue.
Alternator In Truck Function
The battery is the only thing that must be charged every time your vehicle starts. An alternator, however, keeps your car running even if the engine is turned off. Your vehicle’s alternator supplies all the electronics that work in your car, like the headlights, electric steering, power windows, windshield wipers, heated seats, dashboard instruments, and radio. Each of it has an alternator that supplies it with direct current (DC) power. If the battery is properly maintain and charged, you won’t need to worry about an engine failure.
An alternator is a device that generates electricity by turning mechanical energy into electrical energy. When your engine is running, it sends electricity through a drive belt which connects to a pulley attached to the alternator. A generator converts the rotational energy into electrical energy. The spinning rotor shaft turns the alternator, which produces a magnetic field that causes the magnets to rotate. These spinning magnets generate alternating current (AC) around the coil, which is then channeled to the alternator’s rectifier.
The average alternator lifespan is around 10 years, but some will last 15 or more. If yours isn’t lasting as long as it should, you need an alternator replacement to get you back up and running again. Overheating and other factors can cause your alternator to quit working. Before your car heads for the junkyard, replace your worn out, damaged, or faulty alternator.
Warning Signs Of A Bad Truck Alternator
DEAD BATTERY
A dead battery is a sign that your alternator is malfunctioning.
An engine is not able to adequately charge the battery when the alternator isn’t functioning properly. The charging process will take longer than usual.
To figure out if the problem is related to the battery or the alternator, jump-start the car.
Your battery should be replaced when it no longer starts your car or if it’s not holding charge any more.
Even though starting the car may seem to fix the issue, it could also be a sign that your alternator is not getting enough power to the battery.
OVERLY BRIGHT OR DIM LIGHTS
When an alternator fails, it provides inconsistent voltage to your electronic accessories.
Usually, that’s a sign of defective equipment, like headlights that are either too dim or excessively bright. Generally, that means under- or over-performing equipment.
MALFUNCTION PARTS
When your vehicle’s alternator isn’t supplying enough power to your car’s electronics it can result in slow or non-working accessories. You may have an alternator problem if you notice that your windows take longer than usual to roll up and down, or if your seats seem to feel warmer than they should. You could also notice your speedometer and other instruments go out of whack.
Most vehicles now have an onboard computer that checks a priority list of equipment and tells it when the alternator is not working, and it will shut off the engine.
In this way, if you’re driving with a failing alternator, you’ll lose power to your radio or other non-essential accessories first, and only later lose power to your headlights.
GROWLING NOISE
If you hear any kind of sounds or growls coming from your engine, chances are, you might have a problem with your alternator. This could be due to the whining noise comes from the belt that turns the alternator’s pulley.
If you hear this sound, your rotors will probably be going bad. They need to be replaced to keep your car running smoothly.
TROUBLE STARTING
Having trouble starting your truck or bus may mean that your alternator is failing to charge the battery. When you hear that clicking sound, your car is leaking coolant. You should check the level of coolant in your engine.
In addition, your vehicle may have other problems, such as an air intake or exhaust valve that is sticking, or your fuel injectors are faulty. If these are your symptoms, contact your local car repair shop for more information. A stalled vehicle engine may also be a sign of poor spark plug health.
BATTERY WARNING LIGHT
When the battery warning light pops up on the dashboard, it’s typically mistaken to be a battery-specific issue.
Your battery warning light could indicate that there is a problem within the electrical system of your car, but it could also indicate that you are low on power.
If your alternator isn’t working right, it may lose all or part of its charge, and if that happens, it could cause your battery warning light to come on.
A faulty battery may show up as a dimming alternator light, but your battery light may be showing a different issue, so don’t jump to conclusions just yet.
BURNING WIRES SMELL
A strong smell of burning rubber or burning wires could indicate that parts of your engine are wearing out.
Because the alternator’s drive belt is constantly under tension and friction, and is very close to the hot engine, it may begin to burn or emit an unpleasant smell.
If your alternator is being worked hard or if it has frayed or damaged wires, it may have a burning smell. If this happens, it means that your engine may be in trouble.
Where To Buy Alternator
You can buy alternator online or offline through your local dealer or through us. We carry renowned brands in our warehouse. Whether you are owning a fleet or individual, get in contact with us. Our sales are equipped with the domain knowledge to assist you. All you need is to fill up the form here.