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Than maybe you have an alternator problem. The alternator is one of the main parts of your car's electrical system. It recharges the battery while the car is running and powers the lights and other electrical peripherals. If the car seems to cause you troubles, than you have two options: the alternator, or the battery. After long use, alternators need replacing. It is important to be aware of alternator's condition and also of the car battery. To begin with, make a list of possible faults that may help you to diagnose a bad alternator. The typical symptoms are difficult or slow cranking when you attempt to start the engine, weak headlights, high battery consumption (which you'll get notified about on the dashboard). Open the hood and locate the alternator and also the belts connected to the alternator. The entire contraption will be in front of the engine, right next to the car radiator. Verify the alternator corresponding light on your dashboard and see if it is working. The light should be on when the engine starts. On some models even failure will switch on another light associated with the alternator. The easiest solution is to check for bad or worn belts that could cause low rotation to your alternator. This prevents the battery from charging properly, especially if you have your headlights, air conditioner or car stereo on. Another simple solution would be to check the alternator and battery connections, battery terminals or possible worn out ground connections. All these could cause electrical discharges that weaken battery and make them unable to spark the engine properly. Watch out for possible cracks or glazing when the engine is cold. These may cause the belt to slip from the turning wheel, and once again not charging your battery, regardless of the healthy body of the alternator. Adjust any looseness in the belt but, carefully and always consulting your service manual instructions. The next step would be the inspection of the battery's voltage and connections while the engine is on idling. Using an electronic voltmeter, locate a tension reading between 13.8 and 15 volts (analogical ones cost more, but are better at visualizing tension spikes or variations). If the reading goes under 13 volts, than your alternator is malfunctioning. You can verify your electric connections by connecting a circuit with a lamp inside from power to ground and the other way around to see if the bulb lights. For those who have light, the connections between your battery along with other components are working properly. Next step is to look into the connections from the battery through your alternator. For those who have light, the battery is working and charging accordingly, therefore your alternator may probably be the cause of all the problems. Listen for any loud and grinding noise caused by the rotor failing within the bad alternator symptoms. Take one end from the heater hose and set it alongside to your ear while moving the other end near to the alternator. The amount will increase drastically when the alternator is faulty. In this instance the only thing you should do is try to get an alternative. The bad alternator symptoms is easy to spot and inspect, but taking it apart, that's one other issue. Try to take the car as soon as possible to some certified mechanic. Listen for any loud and grinding noise caused by the rotor failing within the bad alternator symptoms. Take one end from the heater hose and set it alongside to your ear while moving the other end near to the alternator. The amount will increase drastically when the alternator is faulty. In this instance the only thing you should do is try to get an alternative. The bad alternator symptoms is easy to spot and inspect, but taking it apart, that's one other issue. Try to take the car as soon as possible to some certified mechanic.
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