Alternator Service

Alternator Service at Stanley Auto Group

If your vehicle fails to start even though you have a new battery, the alternator is probably the culprit. It can leave you stranded without warning or slowly start to fail. You can get your alternator serviced in a service department at a Stanley Auto Group dealership to keep it in excellent condition.

How the Alternator Works

The alternator is part of a system that starts your vehicle. It relies on the battery to power up, while the starter also relies on the battery to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the system. The battery depends on the alternator to keep it charged so it can do its job. When one of these components fails, it prevents the others from working. It can also cause the other components to need to be replaced sooner.
Power from the alternator is alternating current or AC electricity. The battery uses direct current or DC electricity. Power from the alternator must go through what is known as a diode rectifier to change the power to DC before it goes to the battery. Once the power is converted, the battery can recharge.

How Can You Tell When the Alternator Needs to Be Repaired?

It may seem like your alternator went bad without warning, but there are usually signs that you may not be aware of. Here are some indications that your alternator needs to be serviced and repaired:

• The battery light comes on, or another indicator light appears.
• Lights get dim, especially at night, and brighten when the RPMs increase.
• Other electrical components malfunction or stop working.
• Squealing sound from the belt or pulley that connects to the alternator.
• Grinding noise, which may indicate the bearings are going bad.
• A burning smell, which may also indicate the belt or pulley is failing.
• The battery won’t hold a charge even though it is new.

Maintaining Your Alternator

There isn’t much to do to take care of an alternator. You need to have the belt inspected and replaced when it gets worn. You should also have your battery tested regularly. If it shows that it needs to be replaced, don’t wait until it stops working completely.
You can also have the connections checked and make sure everything is connected correctly. If you notice any of the above signs of problems with your alternator, schedule service right away.
You can use the online service scheduler at the Stanley Auto Group dealerships. You can also call your nearest dealership for an appointment. Relax in our comfortable waiting area while we test your alternator and diagnose the issue. You can also take the shuttle to work or home until we have completed the repair for your alternator. Our service technicians are experienced in all makes and models and can diagnose and repair your vehicle.