The alternator is your Honda’s power generator. It produces all the electricity for your car’s systems and devices. An alternator lasts for approximately eight years before it needs replacement. As it ages, its electrical production slows down, and you’ll need an alternator repair or replacement at your Honda dealer. We’d like to tell you some signs that your alternator could be failing.
3 Signs You Need an Alternator Repair at Your Honda Dealer
Dead Battery
A dead battery is a headache for any driver. Sometimes the battery fails due to age or wear, but it can also fail due to a worn alternator. The battery supplies the electrical charge that starts your engine. This charge uses a large portion of the battery’s power. Normally, this power is replaced by the alternator when your car starts moving. If your alternator is weakening, it may not be supplying enough power for your battery.
A weak alternator produces less power than it once did, and this means less power will be available for your battery. Our technicians can test your battery and replace it if it’s worn out. We’ll also test your alternator, and install a replacement if it’s failing.
Dim Lights
Dim headlights are usually a sign that one or both bulbs are going to fail. They can, however, also be signs that your alternator is weakening. Normally, the alternator supplies more than enough power for all your car’s systems. Damage or age can reduce this power generation. As time passes, your alternator will slowly supply less and less power.
When the point is reached that your alternator can’t support all your car’s electrical systems, your car’s computer will intervene. The computer will assign the available power to systems and accessories that need it most. In the case of dim lights, they could be receiving just enough power to function, but not enough to work effectively
Battery Warning Light
The battery warning light highlights an issue in your electrical system. It’s connected to sensors attached to the alternator, the battery, and the wiring. If any of these sensors detect a problem, they’ll inform your car’s computer, and the warning light will come on. A dying alternator can easily trigger this light when its power production falls.
An alternator usually produces around 14.5 volts, and under a full electrical load, it should still provide 13 volts. A worn alternator will trigger this light when it produces 12.5 volts, as this is below its ability to sustain your car’s electrical systems. Our technicians will need to test the alternator to confirm the problem. If the alternator is worn, our technicians will replace it with a new one for you.
If your alternator shows signs of strain, call our service department at Tony Honda Hilo.
Picture from cars.com
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