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2889 W Tharpe St Tallahassee, FL 32303

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2889 W Tharpe St Tallahassee, FL 32303   |   Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm   |   Fri 8am-4pm   (850) 608-0420

Does my car need a new alternator? Symptoms that say yes!

Powerhouse Auto Repair • 20 April 2023

With a faulty alternator, your battery’s power reserve is liable to go empty, which could then leave you stranded. By getting to the shop at the first sign of alternator trouble, you’ll have the best chance to prevent such a situation. At Powerhouse Auto Repair, our local mechanics are highly experienced with taking care of alternator and auto electric issues. 


Symptoms of Alternator Failure

A malfunctioning alternator can cause issues with the car’s electrical accessories. If your alternator isn’t working properly, then power seats may adjust slower than usual or power windows may roll up/down slowly. In modern vehicles, there are commonly computers that can determine which electrical accessories should have their power supply decreased when alternator trouble is detected. This way, power is preserved for the vehicle’s most pressing electrical needs, such as for headlights. However, flickering/dimming headlights are another potential sign of an alternator problem.


Another warning sign of alternator trouble is that a dash light illuminates that reads GEN or ALT or comes on in the shape of a little glowing battery. Anytime a warning light flashes on, it’s important to be proactive about pinpointing the underlying issue before it worsens and causes bigger problems.


A well-known sign of alternator failure is that the battery has died. But just because your battery is dead doesn’t automatically mean that your alternator is to blame. Batteries die for a number of reasons, including loose/corroded connections, old age, parasitic draws, and—of course—leaving on headlights. But if there isn’t another clear-cut culprit for your dead battery, then it’s worth considering a bad alternator as the cause. 


Alternator & Auto Electric Repair in Tallahassee, FL

When you need  auto repair in Tallahassee  and the surrounding area, contact Powerhouse Auto Repair at (850) 608-0420. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly conduct any repair or maintenance task that your vehicle needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

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