Does Your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM Need an Alternator Repair?

The alternator is a vital part of your car’s charging system. It’s attached to the alternator pulley, and this pulley spins as the serpentine belt runs at high speed through several systems in your engine. As the pulley spins, your alternator generates electricity to power your car’s electrical system and recharges your battery. An alternator has a lifespan of approximately 8 years, and when you need an alternator repair your Chrysler dealer can fix it for you

Blown Fuse

Sometimes the alternator can appear to have failed, but it’s actually in good condition but has stopped working. The electrical systems in your car depend on fuses to operate, and the alternator is no exception. If the alternator fuse blows, the alternator will stop working and your battery will start to run down immediately. Our technicians can quickly replace the bad fuse, and if there is no other problem with your alternator, you’ll be on the road again in minutes.

Belt Issue

The crankshaft turns as your car moves, and the alternator or serpentine belt links the crankshaft to many different pulleys. Each pulley connects to a different part that requires power, including the alternator, the AC compressor, and the power steering pump. The turning of the crankshaft causes the serpentine belt to move at a high speed and spin each of the pulleys.

The serpentine belt is very tough and made from reinforced rubber but over time it can start to wear. If the belt snaps, it will cut off power to all the components connected to it and they will all stop working.

Stalling Problem

The alternator supplies all the electrical power in your car while it’s moving, and this includes supplying electricity to the spark plugs so they can fire. A weakening alternator will produce less power than your car’s system demands. Your car’s computer has a safety program to allow for power allocation to critical systems if your car has less power than it requires. This safety feature ensures that while your CD player, for example, may not work your spark plugs will.

If your alternator is in really bad condition, it may be unable to supply enough power to your spark plugs. Without power, the spark plugs won’t work and your car will just stop and won’t be able to move.

Hot Metal Smell

A hot metal smell coming from your engine can be a sign that your alternator is failing. When an alternator gets older, it can’t supply enough electricity for your electrical systems, and it will strain to produce more power to satisfy the demand. As the alternator tries and fails to produce more power, it will heat up and give off a burning metal smell. This is a sure sign that your alternator needs to be replaced.

A failing alternator will always show signs that something is wrong. If you experience any problem with your alternator, call us right away at Blue Ribbon CDJR.

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