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The alternator is a mini generator, and like any generator, it requires service and maintenance to keep it working at its best. Eventually, the alternator will start to wear out. When this happens, it’s time to visit your MINI dealer in Morristown, NJ, for an alternator repair. These are a few signs your alternator could be failing.
Signs Your MINI Needs an Alternator Repair at Your MINI Dealer
Starting and Stalling Problems
One of the alternator’s functions is to keep your battery fully charged. The battery depends on the alternator to replace the power used to start your engine. If your alternator is failing, it won’t produce enough power to completely charge the battery. If you find your engine is taking longer to start, a worn alternator may be the cause of the problem.
Stalling problems are caused by a failure of more than one cylinder to ignite correctly. The spark plug attached to a cylinder is designed to ignite the fuel-air mix at the optimum time. Spark plugs depend on electricity from the alternator to generate the required spark. If your alternator is very weak, it may not provide a strong and consistent charge to allow the plugs to spark.
Damaged Alternator Bearings
Your alternator creates electricity by spinning. Its fast spinning motion causes the magnets in its center to generate magnetic energy. This energy is then converted to AC, and finally DC for your car’s systems. The alternator depends on bearings to enable it to spin. These bearings are lubricated with grease to allow them to move easily and silently.
We routinely check your alternator and its components as part of your service schedule. If the bearings aren’t checked, the grease will dry up and wear off. The heat produced by the fast movement of the alternator can cause cracks to develop in one or more of the bearings. If this happens, you may hear squealing noises or even clunking noises if one of the bearings breaks. We’ll examine the bearings and replace any damaged ones.
Dim Lights
One of the most common signs of a failing alternator is dim lights. A weakening alternator will eventually produce less power than your car’s systems require. When this happens, many of the electrical systems will receive only sufficient power to turn on. You might see your cabin lights, dash lights, and even headlights all start to dim.
Call our service department, and our MINI-trained technicians will test your alternator. We can swiftly determine if it’s failing. If you need a new alternator, we can install one for you.
Once an alternator starts to wear out, it will eventually fail. Call us at MINI of Morristown, and we’ll fix the problem for you.
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