Does Your Ford Need an Alternator Repair?

As your Ford dealer, we have the experience and technology to fix any problem with your car. The alternator is essential for your engine as it produces the electrical power your car’s systems require. This vital component can, unfortunately, fail due to age or damage, and you’ll need an alternator repair. We’d like you to know some signs that you need to visit us to get your alternator checked.

Metal Burning Smell

Burning smells wafting into your cabin from under the hood are a sign of trouble. Several issues can produce these odors, but one of the most common is a failing alternator. The alternator is powered by the movement of the alternator belt as you drive. The movement of the belt allows the alternator to spin and produce electricity.

If your alternator is wearing out, it gradually produces less electricity. Your car’s demands for electricity remain the same, and this will create an electricity shortfall. Your car’s computer will instruct the alternator to produce more power, and this causes it to spin faster. As a worn alternator spins, it will overheat and produce a hot metal smell. If the alternator is the cause of this problem, we can easily replace it for you.

Dim Lights

Your Ford has a variety of lights, including cabin lights, dash lights, and headlights. All of these lights depend on power from the alternator to function. If you notice dim lights in your car, you could be experiencing the start of an alternator failure. The reduced electricity supply means that these lights have just enough power to light up.

Our technicians will need to examine your alternator to determine if it’s the cause of the problem. In most cases, the alternator will need to be replaced to fix this problem. Light issues could also be caused by other problems in the electrical system that we need to investigate. Our Ford-trained technicians will find the source of the problem and repair it.

Worn Wiring

Electricity must be transported to every component that needs it, and this requires wiring. Your car has a vast network of wires that connect every electrical system and device to the alternator. The wiring is carefully protected by rubber and plastic insulation. Over time, wiring can wear out due to the constant flow of power and accompanying heat.

Worn wiring can break, which will cut off power to one or more systems. The broken wires still receive electricity, and this can cause them to overheat, and their insulation will burn. We can trace damaged wiring and replace it to fix this problem.

If you experience these or any other electrical problems, call us right away at Bob Maxey Ford of Howell.

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