A problem in your vehicle’s electrical system is the reason why your headlights are so dim. The issue could be with the battery or alternator. If the battery does not have enough power, or the alternator is not powering the battery, your headlights will go dim as well as all of the other lights on your automobile, including the interior lights. United Auto Care advises that if your dim headlights are accompanied by any of the problems listed below, your alternator is going bad.
Accessory Problems
The alternator also supplies power to your vehicle’s accessories. This includes things such as your power seats and power windows. If you have problems with any of your accessories, such as slowness, failure to operate, or the accessory shutting down, it’s likely that your alternator is to blame.
Dead Battery
The alternator charges the battery as it discharges. This keeps the battery charged while you are driving your automobile. If your battery dies, it could be that the alternator is no longer capable of supplying a charge to the battery.
Frequent Stalling
The alternator also powers the spark plugs. If your vehicle has been stalling frequently, the alternator has gone bad and the spark plugs are not being powered correctly. Any time the spark plugs have a problem firing, your vehicle will stutter and stall.
Growling Noises
Growling noises coming from your engine indicate that the alternator’s internal mechanisms are wearing out. You shouldn’t hear grinding coming from the alternator. If you hear humming or whining, it’s also possible that the problem lies in a loose drive belt to which the alternator is attached.
Hard Starts
A dying alternator makes it difficult to get your car started. As we said above, the alternator powers the battery as it discharges. If you’ve noticed that it’s been more difficult lately to start your automobile, this, coupled with the dim headlights, can signal an alternator problem.
Hot Odors
It’s possible that the drive belt is not fitted properly and, as such, you will smell burning rubber coming from your engine. As the drive belt spins, the internal mechanisms in the alternator generate voltage. Again, if there is a problem with the drive belt, the alternator will suffer, as well.
Warning Light
Finally, your vehicle’s engine control unit will warn you of electrical system problems by turning on either a battery light, an ALT light, or a GEN light. It depends on which light you have on your dashboard.
Don’t worry. United Auto Care in Flowery Branch, GA, can help. We will test your alternator and if it has gone bad, we will replace it.
