7 Signs Your Mazda’s Alternator Needs Service

If your alternator starts to malfunction, it can lead to a host of issues. To determine whether your Mazda needs an alternator service from your Mazda dealer, watch out for the following signs.

7 Signs Your Mazda Needs an Alternator Service From Your Mazda Dealer

1. Illuminated Battery Warning Light

As you drive your vehicle, the demand for power increases, and the alternator works harder to uphold the required voltage. A malfunctioning alternator may struggle to keep up with these demands and cause the battery warning light to go on due to voltage fluctuations or to flicker, especially when you turn on your headlights or use accessories. 

2. Dim or Flickering Headlights

A faulty alternator struggles to produce sufficient power to keep the lights consistently bright while the accessories are in use. When you accelerate or use accessories, you might notice the headlights dimming, flickering, or fluctuating between dim and bright.

3. Malfunctioning Accessories 

You may notice a variety of issues with the accessories at the same time. Your windshield wipers and windows may move more slowly, the power seats may stop working, and your sunroof might get stuck. Minimize the use of the accessories to avoid a complete alternator failure until it’s repaired.

4. Burning Odors

When the alternator is under strain, it can generate excessive power, leading to overheated wires. A misaligned pulley will increase friction on the rubber belt. When too much heat is generated, it causes a distinct electrical burning odor.

5. Stalls

If your alternator malfunctions while you’re driving, your car might stall. This usually occurs alongside the illumination of the battery light. It’s important to note if the alternator is responsible for stalling your vehicle, it’s only a matter of time before it happens again.

6. Hard Starts

A failing alternator relies on the battery’s power to keep the electrical system running. If a faulty alternator is not recharging the battery, your battery will lack the necessary charge to start your car. A quick jump-start might kick-start the engine if your battery can still hold a charge, but it won’t keep it running for long.

7. Dead Battery

When your alternator fails, it strains your battery. Your battery is not meant for long-term power supply, so it tries to compensate and eventually drains and dies. To check if the battery or alternator is causing the issue, you can jump-start your car and disconnect the cables promptly. If the alternator doesn’t charge the system, your vehicle won’t run. If your vehicle continues running, then the battery is causing the problem.

Don’t allow a malfunctioning alternator to cause your vehicle to break down. If you’re struggling with failing accessories, dim lights, stalls, or hard starts, stop at Royal Moore Mazda in Hillsboro, OR, today. Our team of Mazda technicians will sort out your alternator problems expertly.

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