Signs Your Alternator Is About to Die

The alternator is what keeps your battery charged while the engine runs. When it starts to go, the car doesn't usually quit all at once — it warns you first. Catch those warnings and you avoid getting stranded somewhere inconvenient.

The battery light isn't always about the battery

That little battery symbol on the dash is really a charging-system light. If it comes on while you're driving, the alternator may not be keeping up. Don't ignore it — once the battery runs down, the car shuts off.

Dimming lights and weak accessories

Headlights that dim at idle and brighten when you rev the engine are a classic sign. So are power windows that crawl, a radio that cuts out, or a whine that changes with engine speed. The alternator isn't putting out steady power.

A slow or no-crank start

If the battery keeps dying overnight or the car cranks slower each morning, the charging system might not be topping the battery off. A lot of "bad battery" problems are really a worn-out alternator quietly draining it.

We test the whole charging and starting circuit before replacing anything — and most alternator swaps we can do right in your driveway. If your battery light is on or a parts store told you the alternator tested bad, give us a call before it leaves you stuck.