Your vehicle’s alternator keeps the battery charged and powers the electrical system. When your alternator is not working as it should, you will find your vehicle becoming slow and sluggish. If you notice any of the symptoms below, be sure to get an alternator repair from your trusty Ford dealer at Performance Ford of East Hanover! Our service center is equipped to diagnose and repair Ford alternator problems and get you back on Watchung roads.
1. Battery Warning Light Is On
When your Ford alternator is malfunctioning, the engine light, the letters ALT or Gen, or the battery symbol might come on. When the battery light is on, this may indicate there is something wrong with the electrical system.
2. Failing Electrical Devices
If the Ford alternator is going bad, you will notice that your headlights and dashboard lights are dim. The windows will take longer than usual to roll up and down, and the windshield wipers will operate slower. The lights will also flicker or go from bright to dim when your Ford alternator is not working as it should.
3. Strange Noises
When you hear a whining or grinding noise coming from the front of your car, it could the alternator is causing the sounds. The grinding noise you hear is from a dirty, worn, or broken bearing. The sound could also come from a misaligned belt or pulley.
4. Unusual Odor
A burnt rubbery smell is an indication that the alternator belt is not freely rotating on the pulleys. This creates friction that causes the belt to get warm. When the belt gets hot, you will smell that tell-tale burnt rubbery odor. The smell of burnt electricity is caused by an overworked alternator pushing too much electricity through its wires, causing them to heat up.
5. Hard Starts
When your alternator is failing, you find it hard to start the engine. When your car doesn’t always start, your alternator is malfunctioning and not sufficiently charging the battery while the engine is running. You can’t start your car because there is simply not enough power.
6. Dead Battery
When the alternator is not functioning as it should, the alternator will not charge the battery. This will cause the battery to die. If you jump-start your car and immediately after you remove the cables, it stalls, the alternator is to blame. If the car runs after you jump-start it, the battery is causing the problem.
What About Hybrid Alternator Repairs?
Contrary to popular belief, hybrid cars like the Ford F-150 Lightning use alternators, too. However, the way hybrid alternators work is different from how gas-powered vehicles work. With a gas-powered engine, the alternator is responsible for providing electricity to the car when the engine is running. However, a hybrid electric car uses an electric motor as the primary source of energy instead of the gasoline engine. Therefore, the hybrid battery is charged through regenerative braking, converting kinetic energy into electrical.
Rely on Performance Ford of East Hanover to Repair Ford Alternator Problems
Our Ford-certified service technicians have a fully equipped service center and the knowledge to identify and repair alternator problems, as well as other automotive issues. When you choose Performance Ford of East Hanover for Ford alternator repair, you can rest assured that you’ll receive top-notch service and Ford genuine parts. Our parts center is stocked with nothing but genuine OEM parts, so our Fairfield customers can rest easy, knowing their vehicles are being repaired with high-quality parts that are compatible with their Fords.
Schedule Alternator Repair Near Morristown
If you experience any of these symptoms, act fast and schedule a gas or hybrid alternator repair appointment. A malfunctioning alternator will not charge the battery, and soon you will not be able to start your car at all. Contact Performance Ford of East Hanover today if you suspect you have an alternator problem and to learn more about hybrid alternator repairs. You can also schedule service online using our service scheduler. Our qualified technicians have the knowledge and expertise to repair your vehicle’s alternator to ensure that your car is in perfect running condition.