What Should I Do If My Audi A4 Alternator Starts to Fail in San Rafael?

All we know is that the battery is providing power to all the electrical components in your vehicle such as the dash lights, headlights, charging ports, heater, stereo system, etc. as well as responsible for starting the engine. But, the battery doesn't have its own charging capacity, so it is recharged by the alternator when the car is running.

Moreover, the alternator in your Audi A4 is translating the mechanical energy into electrical energy which is stored in the battery for performing all the functions. In simple words, it works with the battery to function all the electrical systems. Due to these reasons, make sure that the alternator is in good condition for charging the battery fully to start the car.

When the alternator of your Audi is failed, it will affect your car in different ways. Without a functional alternator, the engine stalls and the battery is going to die eventually. So, when it happens, it's always advisable to consult a professional Audi mechanic to diagnose the causes behind the damages and fix it as soon as possible.

Causes behind the failed alternator

Due to numerous reasons, the alternator of your Audi A4 is failed. The following points define a few of them.

Blown fuses

To keep the alternator functional, it has multiple fuses. If the fuses are blown overuse, then you will notice a power surge in a car that can eventually fail the alternator. As a result, the battery won't get its charge to function in the electrical systems. To check the condition of the alternator, you can inspect the fuses by getting their location from the owners' manual.

Damaged pulley or pulley belt

To generate the electrical energy, the alternator is generally using the mechanical power of the belt and the pulley in your car. When the alternator is failed, the pulley or pulley belt is worn out eventually. Moreover, the pulley is generally damaged, when you have an accident and due to age. As a result, no mechanical energy is generated for the alternator to convert.

Old alternator

Due to regular use, climates, and age, the alternator of the car is damaged. In general, the alternator of the car can last up to 10 years if you are maintaining it properly. So, inspect and change the alternator of your car at a regular interval.

Signs of a bad alternator

When the alternator of your Audi A4 is damaged, it will show numerous signs to alert the driver about the problem. The following points define the signs more briefly.

Unusual sounds

Thus, the alternator of the car has several moving parts which is spinning simultaneously to make it run. If any of its parts are damaged or start to behave erratically, you can hear unusual noises from the alternator. Moreover, the grinding noise indicates the worn alternator and the whining noise indicates that the voltage regulator is sending signals to the alternator to charge more than required.

Electrical problems

A small problem within the electrical system of the car can affect the functions of the electrical components entirely such as windshield wipers, power locks, power windows, and heated seats. In general, the alternator is the main source of electrical power in a car, so when it failed the electrical components are slow to operate or stop working.

Dead battery

When the alternator is failed, the battery is weakening or died eventually. In fact, the alternator in your Audi is replenishing the battery to keep it functioning efficiently. Due to the failed alternator, the electrical components are drawing power from the battery and draining it. In turn, the battery could die more quickly.

Flickering headlights

Apart from the other signs, the flickering headlights are the common sign of failed alternator in your Audi A4. At this point, when you increase or decrease the speed of the engine, the headlights are either brighter or dimmer. Eventually, the headlights begin to weaken or dim due to the failed alternator.

Starting difficulties

If the alternator of your vehicle is failed, then the battery no longer gets its charge. As a result, your car won’t start or turn over several times before starting. So, check the alternator as soon as possible by a mechanic for diagnosing the causes behind the problem and fix the problem for preventing further damage.

Conclusion

When the alternator of your Audi A4 starts to fail, you should take it to a reputed mechanic immediately for immediate fixing. If you are currently living in San Rafael and found that the alternator stop functioning, then brings it to a local reputed auto repair shop for diagnosing the causes behind the damages and replace it if required.

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.