An early warning sign that your alternator is going bad could be dim, flickering lights. This symptom could show up on any or all of your dashboard lights, reading lights, headlights or other lights. The alternator is supposed to provide the electricity for your car’s lights.
How long does an alternator last on a Kia Sorento?
However, it’s safe to assume that it will last between 80,000 and 150,000 miles — or about seven years. Here are some reasons why an alternator may not last as long as it should: The alternator is not an OEM Kia part. Driving conditions.
What is the most common problem with an alternator?
One of the most common problems you’re likely to experience with an alternator is a failure in the bearings. There are needle bearings in the alternator that allow the rotor to freely spin inside the housing, and those bearings can break down over time as a result of exposure to heat and dirt.
Can an alternator just go bad all of a sudden?
When your alternator begins to fail it can cause a variety of different electrical problems in your car, and eventually cause a breakdown. Alternators can go bad suddenly, or slowly over time.
What are the signs that your alternator is going bad? – Related Questions
At what mileage should alternator be replaced?
The average longevity of an alternator is seven years or about 150,000 miles. Several factors can impact the lifespan of your alternator, including the quality of the part, the overall condition of the vehicle, and how many electronics are being used.
Can a blown fuse cause alternator problems?
Dead Battery
As was mentioned earlier, the alternator charges the battery while supplying the rest of the car with electricity. If the alternator’s fuse or fusible link is blown, the alternator will not be able to charge the battery.
What causes an alternator to go bad quickly?
There are a few issues that could make the alternator go bad, such as jump-starting the car the wrong way or installing an accessory that overloads it. Leaking fluid in the alternator or a tight belt can also cause damage to the alternator bearings, causing premature wearing.
Can an alternator fail without warning?
Check the alternator even if you suspect the car starter or battery may be the cause of the problem. The alternator can die with little or no warning but there a few signs to watch for: The “ALT” or “GEN” light illuminates on the instrument panel. The lights are dimmer than usual and may pulsate from dim to bright.
How quickly does an alternator go bad?
An alternator typically lasts about seven years or about 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Some mechanics, though, say they typically see alternators last about 80,000 miles, or some cars will need it to be replaced after 50,000 to 60,000 miles.
How long does an alternator last once it starts going bad?
It could be around 60,000 miles or less, or it could be more than 200,000 miles. Here’s what you need to know about an alternator’s lifespan.
How does a car act when the alternator is going out?
Dim or Overly Bright Lights
Generally, that takes the form of under- or over-performing equipment, such as headlights that are either too dim or extremely bright. You may also experience flickering lights or lights that erratically go from bright to dim and vice-versa.
How does a car act when alternator is bad?
Signs of a Bad Alternator
Some of the things to look for are no-starting and trouble starting, dimming lights and problems with stereo system output. If your car starts but stalls when you’re underway, your battery is probably not being recharged due to a faulty alternator.
Can a bad alternator ruin an engine?
Engine damage is one of the worst-case scenarios of alternator trouble and it is definitely a possibility, but it’s so difficult and inconvenient to keep a car going with a bad alternator that you’ll probably get it fixed long before it causes damage to your engine.
Can I drive around with a bad alternator?
While you can technically still drive with a bad alternator, it is not advised. This is especially true in newer vehicle models. This is because there is more electricity involved compared to an older model.
What does a dead alternator sound like?
It requires a good deal of energy to crank the car’s motor, and if a battery is not replenishing its power properly due to a faulty alternator, it will become drained and ineffective. You will hear a clicking noise while attempting to start the car, and the engine will have difficulty turning over.
How do you tell if it’s the battery or alternator?
Jumpstart your car. If you can turn the engine on, but it dies shortly thereafter, your car alternator likely isn’t able to charge the battery. On the other hand, if you jumpstart the car and later on it fails to start on its own, it’s likely a dead battery.