4 Signs Your Alternator May Be Bad in Salem, Oregon

June 18, 2020

If your Subaru has a dead battery, your first instinct may be to blame the battery itself. Oftentimes, this is correct. After all, batteries have a limited lifespan, and there are a number of other problems that a battery itself could have. But it's also possible that the alternator might have problems. When your vehicle is running, the alternator powers the electrical components of your vehicle, but it also recharges the battery. So, if an alternator isn't working, the battery will lose its charge. It's best to catch these problems early so that you're not stranded, and we want to help. That's why we've put together this page, where you'll find four things to look out for that might indicate a bad alternator.

4. Charge Warning Light

The dashboard of your Subaru has a number of warning lights that can let you know if something is amiss. One of these is the charge warning light. This light looks like a car battery: a rectangle with two terminals labeled with a - and a +. If this light turns on when you're driving, it means that the charging system may have a problem and is not charging as it should. There are many reasons why this light might come on, and a bad alternator is a common one. However, if you notice that this light is on, it's best to call your nearest Subaru dealership right away. That way, you can be sure to address the heart of the problem.

3. Failing Electrical Components

The alternator provides your vehicle's electrical components with power as you drive. If it's beginning to fail, those components may not get the amount of power they need. The classic way to look for this problem is to check the lights. The dash lights and headlights may flicker or be extra dim when the alternator is failing. They may be especially dim when your car is idling, and become a bit brighter when you rev the engine. But in modern vehicles, you may actually notice other components begin to falter before the lights. This is because they usually have a priority list, where electrical components that don't affect your safety will shut off first. So, you may notice a dying radio before dimming headlights.

2. Your Car Won't Start

As we mentioned earlier, the alternator charges the battery, so a bad alternator may result in a battery that's lost its charge. But how can you tell if it's a problem with the alternator or a problem with the battery? While the best way to find out is to have your Subaru inspected at the dealership, there is a quick test you can perform at home when you jump start your car. Normally, we recommend keeping the two cars connected after the jump for a few minutes, but in this case you should remove the jumper cables immediately after you start your car. Let the car run for a little bit. If it dies while your car is running, the alternator is likely the cause of the problem. If your Subaru keeps running, but won't start when you try again, it's likely the battery.

1. Odd Sounds

There are a number of sounds that a failing alternator may produce, so it's a good idea to listen to how your engine sounds. Bad bearings or bushings in the alternator may cause a growling or grinding noise, or even a whining sound. Strange sounds coming from your engine compartment may not always be due to the alternator, but they are usually cause for concern. If you hear unusual noises, it's best to pull over to a safe spot and call for help. Doing so before further damage can occur is your best bet for keeping your car repair bills manageable.