Does Your Ford Need an Alternator Repair?

The alternator is the most important part of your Ford’s electrical system. It generates the electricity needed for your car’s systems and controls the flow of power to the battery. Unfortunately, like any mechanical system, your alternator can get damaged. If you live near Eveleth, MN, your local Ford dealer can help you. If you experience any problems, our technicians can fix them for you. These are a few of the signs that you may need an alternator repair.

Signs You Need an Alternator Repair at Your Ford Dealer

Battery Warning Light

The warning lights in your Ford provide a great early warning that something is going wrong. With any problem, the earlier it’s identified the quicker and easier it is to fix. in the case of our battery warning light, this light comes on if a problem is detected anywhere in your electrical system. It’s important to remember that your alternator may not be the cause of the problem.

An alternator problem that can trigger the light is the weaker power generation by a damaged alternator. A healthy alternator produces around 14.5 volts, which is more than sufficient for all your car’s electrical demands. As the alternator gets older, it produces less power. When your alternator produces less than 13 volts, this means it failing, and the warning light will come on.

Growling and Whining Noises

Engine noises are never a good sign. Your Ford engine is silent as it operates, so unusual noises immediately mean something is wrong. Several different problems with the alternator can make strange sounds, including a worn alternator belt or damaged alternator bearings. Your alternator spins on several bearings, and a damaged bearing will make growling noises as it moves.

The alternator belt runs at high speed across a series of pulleys. Over time, this high-speed movement can lead to the belt running slightly off course. The constant movement of the belt can also loosen it. Either of these situations can create a whining noise due to additional strain on the belt. The belt has to be tensioned correctly for your alternator to work effectively.

Dim Lights

Dim lights can mean that your headlight bulbs are going to fail. It can also mean that your alternator isn’t supplying enough electricity. If your alternator is wearing down, it can’t supply enough power for all of your devices and accessories. To spread that limited power as far as possible, the various components will be supplied with just enough electricity to work.

A headlight problem can also be caused by damaged wiring or rust in the bulb sockets. To determine the exact cause, our technicians will need to examine your headlights and your alternator. We will find the cause of the problem, and we can repair it. If the alternator is the cause of the problem, you may also notice that your headlights are failing faster than they should due to the inconsistent power supply.

If you’re experiencing any electrical problems, call us at Lundgren Ford.

Tags: Ford Service, Lundgren Service Department, OEM Service
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