3 Signs Your GMC Vehicle Needs an Alternator Repair

The alternator is a crucial part of your engine. It produces the electrical power for all your GMC systems and maintains your battery at full charge. An alternator will gradually wear out, and you’ll need an alternator repair or replacement at your GMC dealer. We’d like to give you advice on some signs that your alternator could be failing.

3 Signs You Need an Alternator Repair at Your GMC Dealer

Loose or Damaged Connections

The electricity produced by your alternator has to get to the electrical systems that need it. Electricity is transmitted through your car by a vast network of cables and wires. These wires are insulated to protect against electrical shorts and the harsh conditions of your car’s engine. If you start experiencing an electrical problem, there could be faulty wiring or connections.

Wires and cables move as your car drives, and this can cause connections to loosen. Wiring can also wear out or break, cutting power to components. You might also smell burning plastic as a damaged wire is overheating due to electrical flow. This causes the wiring to heat and the insulation to burn. Our technicians will trace the wiring and connections and repair any damage.

Strange Sounds From the Engine

As a GMC driver, you know your vehicle makes almost no sound as it works. Any unusual sounds from the engine are a sign of trouble. Whining, growling, or clunking noises are all signs of something wrong. These noises can all be caused by problems with the alternator, and they need to be investigated ASAP.

Whining noises may come from a worn or damaged alternator belt. This belt controls the alternator, and it could be running over a worn or jammed pulley. Clunking noises may come from a damaged or broken alternator bearing, and they become louder as the alternator spins faster. Growling noises may be a sign that the alternator itself is failing. We’ll examine the electrical system and repair the cause of the problem.

Check Battery Light

Your electrical system has numerous sensors that monitor it. These sensors collect information on their attached system and send this information to your car’s computer. If a sensor detects a problem, it will warn your computer, and the battery warning light will come on. A failing alternator can trigger the warning light.

A healthy alternator produces approximately 14.5 volts, which is more than sufficient to maintain your electrical system. As your alternator ages, this power supply will drop. If the sensors detect that your alternator is producing less than 12 volts, the sensors will sound the alarm, and the warning light will come on.

A failing alternator will always show signs that it’s wearing out. Call us today at Bob Stephen Motors, and we’ll check your alternator for you.

Tags: alternator, GMC models, service center
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