Your VW has a mini electrical generator called an alternator. The alternator produces all the electricity for your car’s systems. Like any generator, it will eventually become worn or damaged and needs replacement. As your VW dealer, we’d like you to know some of the signs that you need to visit us for an alternator repair.
3 Signs You Need an Alternator Repair at Your VW Dealer
Your Battery Warning Light Is On
The battery warning light is an early warning sign that something has gone wrong with your electrical system. The problem could be due to a damaged battery, loose connections, or damaged wiring. It will also illuminate immediately in response to an alternator problem. A worn or damaged alternator will always produce less power than it should.
The alternator has sensors connected to it that monitor its electrical output and health. A healthy alternator generates approximately 14.5 volts, which can drop to 13 volts if it’s under a heavy load. If the sensors detect that the alternator’s output drops to 12.5 volts or less, your alternator is failing. Our technicians will test your alternator and replace it if necessary, and the warning light will disappear.
Flickering Headlights
Every driver knows that headlight bulbs have a limited lifespan. Inevitably, one will blow when it’s least expected to. Flickering bulbs are a sign the bulbs are worn and need replacement, but they can also be a sign of alternator problems. The headlights are sensitive to electrical fluctuations, and a worn alternator can easily cause them to fail.
The alternator will gradually produce less power as it ages, and this will affect all our car’s systems. Your VW has a relatively fixed power requirement, and a failing alternator will eventually fail to satisfy this demand. When this happens, your car’s computer has to shift power from system to system according to demand. This instability in the power supply will cause the bulbs to flicker. We’ll examine your alternator and fix the problem.
Your Alternator Is Old
An alternator has a lifespan of approximately eight years. During this time, it will work efficiently and produce power. It does this by spinning at high speed to produce magnetic energy. This energy is captured by the stator, converted to AC, and then converted to DC by the rectifier. Once the conversion is complete, the power is transmitted to the systems that require it.
A worn-out alternator produces less electricity, and this will generate numerous electrical problems. These range from electrical systems failing to operate due to insufficient electricity to major issues that will prevent your car from starting. We’ll need to test your alternator to confirm the problem, and we can easily replace it if necessary.
If you’re experiencing any electrical problems, contact us right away at Tony Volkswagen.
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