3 Signs Your Hyundai Could Use an Alternator Repair

It’s a common misconception that the battery supplies all of the electricity a car needs. Without a working alternator, a car’s battery would never be able to recharge and would simply die once it’s used up its stored power. If your alternator goes bad in Little Rock, AR, visit your friendly Hyundai dealer and we can help with a repair or replacement. We’d like you to know some of the signs that you’ll need an alternator repair.

Starting Problems

Your battery provides the charge to start your ignition, and your battery is recharged by the alternator as you drive. If your alternator starts to wear, it becomes more difficult for it to fully recharge your battery. Starting your engine should be as easy as pushing a button or turning the key, but if the battery isn’t fully charged it can take longer to build up the necessary power.

A battery lasts up to 5 years before it needs to be replaced, and an old battery could be the cause of your car’s starting problem. if your battery is new, the most likely suspect is a failing alternator.

Check Battery Light

The check battery light should light up when your engine starts, and then switch off almost immediately. This is normal and means that your system is testing the various components and they’re working correctly. If the battery light stays on, this means that there is a problem with the electrical charging system.

Your alternator should produce a voltage of 13 to 14.5 volts, but a failing alternator will not be able to match that voltage. The battery light lights up if the voltage varies as a sign that something is wrong.

Stalling Problems

It can be very dangerous if your car stalls unexpectedly, especially if you are turning a corner at speed, or driving on the highway. The alternator provides all the electrical power for your car while the car is moving, but a weakening alternator generates less power than it should. If there is less electrical power available than required to power all the devices and components in your car, you’ll start to notice random electrical problems.

Your Hyundai’s computer has a safety feature to ensure that critical components always have priority if there is only limited electrical power available. This feature ensures that systems like the spark plugs will receive power even if it means that the CD player, for example, cannot work. A dying alternator may lose the ability to supply the spark plugs with power, and this means that they stop firing and your car will stop immediately.

Don’t let a bad alternator let you down when you need it most. If your alternator is weakening, call our service center right away at Crain Hyundai of North Little Rock. Our highly-trained technicians will have your car fixed and running perfectly again in a jiffy. We’re always here for you.

 

Image via Hyundai.

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