6 Symptoms of a Bad Alternator!

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on one of the most crucial yet often overlooked components of your car – the alternator. This key player in your vehicle's electrical system ensures everything from your lights to your radio functions smoothly. But what happens when it starts to fail? How do you diagnose the issues, and what are the signs & symptoms to look out for? In this detailed video, Zach dives into the world of the alternator, providing you with essential knowledge about its function, the common symptoms of its failure, and a step-by-step guide on how to diagnose any issues effectively. Whether you're a seasoned gearhead or a new car owner, this video aims to provide you with all the knowledge and tools you need to ensure your alternator keeps charging along.

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00:12 – What is an Alternator and What Does an Alternator Do?
00:50 – Symptoms of Failing Alternator
01:03 – Symptom #1 of a Failing Alternator – Battery
01:45 – Symptom #2 of a Failing Alternator – Lights
02:33 – Symptom #3 of a Failing Alternator – Vehicle Accessories
03:27 – Symptom #4 of a Failing Alternator – Noises
04:43 – Symptom #5 of a Failing Alternator – Smells
05:25 – Symptom #6 of a Failing Alternator – Engine Stalls
07:02 – Differences Between Alternator or Battery Problems

[wrongusername]

1:13 Dead battery
1:45 Dim or flickering lights
2:33 Problems with accessories
3:32 Whining or grinding noises
4:45 Electrical burning smell
5:30 Engine stalling

7:13 differences between battery and alternator problems

[christiancampbell]

By far one of the most instructional videos on YouTube. Thanks for the substantial amount of clarity and fact based solutions. I rarely comment on YouTube videos but this is surely worth the mention.

[KardyEden]

Im a woman who has learned a lot from you ..ty..ive been trying to figure out what is going on with my car.. appreciate you 😊

[orchidbrown]

This is probably been one of the most useful videos. I have a used 2010 Jeep liberty sport.
I have already replaced the battery back in February.
For the last week, my car is suddenly dead overnight with no lights on or doors open. I’ve noticed the motor functioning to my window slowing and there are times my lights will dim and adjust while driving. I jumpstarted the vehicle and still having some issues. I am going to try to get my car in somewhere tomorrow. Thankyou again!

[tla]

Thank you! This was such a great, informative video. My 2013 Audi was having many of these signs, the whining noise was definitely the first sign.

[pitsapits]

Glad i found this video appreciate your help

[Shvdowx]

I’m glad I watched the whole video, my car stalls after a jump start, I turn my head light and it starts getting weaker and the rpm’s drop. Replacing alternator in a few I’ll reply again if it works

[choochoo-mb]

Bought a HO 400amp for my 6.0. That fixed more problems then i was aware of. It was the best mod I have done wish I would have done it sooner.

[elgatogordo]

Thank you for your informative video. Just what I needed to troubleshoot my 1994 Lexus.

[noahrobbie]

This was VERY informal. Thank you for this!! I’m almost 100% sure it is the alternator after watching this! I’m just not sure why the engine wouldn’t turn on. All the lights turn on and you could hear it trying but not nope. Nada. Well, wish me luck! 🕺🏻

[claytonmills]

Save yourself 100s of dollars and replace the part inside the alternator. Can’t remember the name of the part but the part is only $10 or so and just like that you have a working alternator. I’ve done this already.

[ramonhernandez]

Thank you for this well thought and very thorough explanation of battery vs alternator. My amp has been cutting out for several weeks and today my AC acted up at a stoplight, when I glanced up I saw my voltage was low. My truck stalled 3 blocks later and wouldn’t start. Jumped it and drove 2 miles before it started to stall. Jumped it twice more to make it home. 25 year old ranger I’ve had since new, on its sixth battery and second alternator. Thanks again

[angelapursley]

I appreciate your clear and concise explanation. Thank you!!

[janicehudson]

Thanks for sharing this informative video all the 6 signs thats exactly what im experiencing especially the whining noise, the serpentine belt it makes this loud noise especially when it gets wet from the rain . bad alternator indicated that from an reading at auto parts .i think that's why my truck isn't starting up all of an sudden.i had an potential light of battery on my dash board, we'll see hopefully thats all it is is the alternator problem.

[cassidyguzman]

My alternator is really bad then. Glad I got a new one I am having my husband help me replace it. ❤

[staceycurtis]

come across this video after watching a video on starter motors. We've just changed our starter motor and it's still not starting but now I'm thinking the alternator may also be a problem. The dash lights are flickering and the radio works sometimes but lately mostly not.

[elkan]

Awesome ! My Car Has 4 Of The Symptoms

[danjackson]

What a great video this is... Really helpful.

[kristinefant]

I appreciate the video, very helpful. I’m still trying to diagnose my issue without a shop.

[BLACKLAGOON]

Does that include the head lights too, because mine dim down sometimes when my window is rolled all the way up and I click it just to make sure they are closed?