5 Signs Your Mazda May Need an Alternator Repair

Have you had trouble starting your car recently? Are your headlights acting funny? Have you noticed your dashboard displaying your battery warning light recently despite having a nearly new battery? If so, you may need an alternator repair at your Jacksonville, FL Mazda dealer. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common signs. 

5 Signs Your Mazda May Need an Alternator Repair at Your Jacksonville, FL Mazda Dealer

1. You Have Trouble Starting Your Car

If you’re having trouble starting your car, there is a good chance that something is wrong with your alternator. Your battery needs power to create a spark that ignites combustion in your motor’s cylinders. However, if your alternator doesn’t charge your battery when you turn your key in your ignition, no spark will occur. In the absence of a spark, your motor will remain dormant.

Sometimes, when your car won’t start, your battery doesn’t have enough cold-cranking amps to start your motor. However, if your battery can’t create a spark because it’s not charged, there may not be a problem with your battery holding a charge. Rather, your alternator may not have enough power to charge your battery.

2. You Have Malfunctioning Headlights

Malfunctioning headlights are another sign of a failing alternator. The role of your alternator is to distribute power to every electronic in your vehicle, including your headlights. If it is dying, you may notice such problems as flickering headlights, excessively bright headlights, or dim headlights.

3. You Have the Battery Warning Light On Your Dash

If your dashboard is indicating a problem with your battery, there is a chance that the real problem lies with your alternator. This case is especially strong if you have recently replaced your battery or a recent battery test has indicated that there is nothing wrong with your battery.

Even if your car starts when you turn your key in your ignition, it is possible that your battery isn’t being charged enough by your alternator. Also, your battery warning light can be an indication that your alternator is operating at a voltage outside of the normal range of 13 to 14.5 volts.

4. You Have Malfunctioning Accessories

Often, people with a failing alternator will experience problems with their radio. Sometimes, it will work just fine. Other times, it will cut off randomly and may or may not turn back on. Also, people with failing alternators often notice problems with other accessories, like power windows and seat warmers.

5. You Have Trouble Keeping Your Car Running

Finally, there is a very high likelihood that your alternator needs to be repaired if your car frequently stalls when you drive. This problem occurs when the alternator can’t send enough power to the spark plugs.

You may need to have your alternator fixed if you have trouble starting your car, your headlights malfunction, or your dashboard is indicating a problem with your battery. If you’ve seen any of these signs of a failing alternator, don’t ignore them. Contact us today at Tom Bush Mazda on Atlantic Blvd right away to schedule a service appointment.

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