How To Tell If Your Volkswagen Alternator is Failing in San Rafael?

In general, the alternator is an important part of the Volkswagen that can keep the battery recharged and run the electrical systems properly. A small problem within the alternator may affect the functions of several components. Try to diagnose the problem as soon as possible for preventing major breakdowns in the car.

Neglecting the problem for longer may accumulate the alternator over time and lose power suddenly in the middle of the road. Subsequently, the failed alternator prevents the car from starting or staying on for a few minutes. The following points define the signs of the failed alternator in your Volkswagen.

Dead battery

After a few years of use, the battery of your car reached the end of its life. But other reasons are also responsible for making the battery dead in your car such as leaving the headlights on all night at the garage. Among the other reasons, the malfunctioned alternator is also responsible for making the battery dead.

If the alternator is failed, then it is unable to charge the battery when the engine is running. As a result, the charge of the battery is used faster than usual. For determining the current conditions of the battery you have to jump-start the car. If it stays running, then replace the battery as soon as possible.

The burning smell of rubber or wires

If the parts of the alternator are wearing out, you will notice burning rubber or wire smells produced from the engine. When the engine is running, the drive belt of the alternator is operating under constant tension and friction as well as wears out over time by producing some unpleasant rubber smell.

Subsequently, the failed alternator is pushing a high amount of electricity through the wires and heats them unsafely. Many times, the broken or fouled wires in your alternator are creating a lot of resistance to the flow of electricity and emitting a foul smell.

Unusual noises

When the engine is running, your car will produce some unusual sounds among them few of them are harmless and others indicate several mechanical problems. Check the alternator by a reputed mechanic if you hear unusual noises coming from under the hood such as the growling or whining noise. At this point, you have to check it by a reputed mechanic ASAP.

If the belt becomes misaligned which is commonly used for turning the alternator’s pulley, then it will produce a whining sound from the car. When you hear the sound from your vehicle, check the bearing and belt from a professional mechanic.

Trouble starting or engine stalling

Moreover, the trouble starting is the common sign of failed alternator in your Volkswagen. On the other hand, starting problems also cause in your car for many other reasons. So, you have to diagnose the problem quickly for preventing major engine breakdowns.

All we know is that the alternator is powering up the spark plug system for igniting the fuel in the pistons. Due to any reason, if the alternator is unable to deliver the right amount of power to the spark plugs, it will cause engine stalling problems. Ignoring the problem for longer may seize the entire engine.

Activated battery warning light

Now the modern cars like Volkswagen have sensors that can activate the warning lights when they found any problems in any of the parts and components. If the battery has any problems, then the battery light is activated on the dashboard. In general, the battery warning lights are indicating the problems within the alternator.

In reality, the alternator is running between 13 volts to 14.5 volts. So, when it is failed, its required voltage is reduced below the capacity and activates the battery warning light. Apparently, the battery warning light also flickers when the electrical load from the accessories fluctuates.

Conclusion

When any of the problems you will experience in your Volkswagen, check the alternator from a reputed mechanic. If you are currently living near San Rafael, then consult with a reputed and certified auto repair shop for getting quality service as well as keep the battery and other electrical systems properly working. In this way, you will diagnose the real causes behind the alternator failure in the Volkswagen and replace it with a new one efficiently.

Heynneman European located in San Rafael, CA is a trusted European auto service center in the entire area and is preferred by drivers all throughout the Marin County and the San Rafael area.