Does Your Kia Need an Alternator Repair?

Are you experiencing any electrical issues with the dashboard lights not working or the headlights flickering? If so, it may be time to have your alternator checked and fixed. Alternators are responsible for providing power to your vehicle’s electrical systems, and if they are faulty, they can cause several different problems within your car. Here are signs that indicate you need to bring your vehicle to your Kia dealer for an alternator repair.

Dim Lights

Dim or flickering headlights can indicate alternator failure. The lights may intensify as the RPMs increase, then fade as the RPMs decrease. This is a solid clue that the alternator isn’t producing enough power to meet the vehicle’s electrical demands. If you notice this with your lights, you should bring your car to your local dealer and have a mechanic check your alternator.

Unusual Sounds

Strange noises can indicate various automotive problems, and determining where the sound comes from can be difficult. If you hear unusual noises like grinding or whining and experience other problematic alternator symptoms, your alternator is most likely failing. A worn-out, fractured, or filthy bearing is the most common cause of grinding noises. Meanwhile, whining sounds are produced when the voltage regulator directs the alternator to charge more than is required.

Burning Smell

A weird odor coming from under your hood is another symptom of an alternator system failure. You may notice different scents, but they’re all caused by an alternator that’s working too hard and about to overheat. If you smell burnt rubber, it means the rubber belt that keeps the alternator running isn’t moving smoothly, resulting in excessive friction. The belt might heat up due to the friction, giving off a distinct burning rubber odor.

Electrical Accessories Not Working

If your alternator fails, the accessories that rely on power are likely to fail as well. If you notice that your electric windows are slow to open, your radio is erratic, or your heated seats aren’t functioning, it could signify alternator failure. If you are experiencing these issues with your electrical components, you should bring your vehicle to your local service center for a check-up and repair.

Difficulty Starting the Car

When the alternator malfunctions, you may notice that the automobile has a difficult time starting. This is because if the alternator is no longer adequately charging the battery, the battery does not have enough power to start the automobile properly. If you are constantly experiencing this problem, you should contact your mechanic at your service center and schedule an appointment for a check-up.

At Crain Kia of Sherwood, we’re happy to help our customers with their alternators. We understand that you may not know a lot about what goes into fixing your alternator and how it can affect your car’s performance, and that’s why we have reliable pros on staff who are willing to answer all of those questions for you! Contact Crain Kia of Sherwood if you need more information on how we can best help you and your vehicle.

Image via Kia.

Posted in Sherwood Kia Service | No Comments »