While you’re on the road, not only does your engine power your wheels, but it also powers your electronics as well. It does so by providing mechanical power to the alternator, which then creates electrical power for the battery, ignition coils, headlights, dashboard, and other electrical components. If your alternator starts to malfunction, many parts of your car will rapidly stop working. Here are five indications that you may need to visit your nearest Ford dealer for alternator repair. 

Does Your Ford Need an Alternator Repair?

Your Engine’s Misfiring

Every internal combustion engine needs a healthy, uninterrupted flow of electrical voltage to the ignition coils. The ignition coils amplify this voltage, allowing the spark plugs to ignite the fuel inside the engine’s cylinders. 

This electrical power comes either from the alternator or the battery, but if the alternator stops working, the battery usually can’t keep the engine going for more than an hour or two alone. So if your engine starts to misfire and struggle to stay alive, your alternator might be to blame. 

Your Battery’s Dead

While you’re driving, the alternator is recharging your battery. If the alternator stops doing its job, you might find that you can’t start your car in the morning because the battery is dead. 

When this happens, try to jumpstart your car. If the engine then fails to keep going, you know the issue probably lies with the alternator because the alternator is failing to generate the electrical power needed to keep the engine’s spark plugs sparking. 

Your Headlights Are Flickering

As an alternator starts to die, the headlights will receive fluctuating electrical power. This will often cause flickering light until the headlights die altogether. 

Your Electronics Are Failing

With a bad alternator, all the other electronics in your car will start having trouble at the same time. If you suspect an alternator problem, you can try turning all the electronic accessories on at the same time to see how your alternator handles the increased demand. 

Your Dashboard Warning Light Is Blinking

The sensors in your car will usually pick up on any electrical power problems. If your alternator is faltering, you’re likely to see the battery symbol light up on your dashboard. Sometimes, you’ll see an ALT or GEN symbol instead, pointing to an alternator problem specifically. 

How Your Ford Dealer Can Repair Your Alternator

Alternators can last anywhere from 80,000 to 150,000 miles. When a malfunctioning alternator isn’t too old, it can sometimes be repaired. 

A skillful mechanic can dismantle it and check the rectifier, regulator, rotor, slip rings, pulley, and stator. Any faulty part can then be replaced to restore the alternator’s function. 

Have an experienced technician examine and repair your car’s alternator today at Kory Hooks Ford. We’re a full-service dealership and a local one-stop shop for all your Ford-related needs