Logo | Elite Auto Experts

How Can I Tell If My Car’s Alternator Is Failing?

February 28, 2025

Your car's alternator keeps everything powered while you drive. It’s responsible for charging the battery and supplying electricity to essential components like the headlights, radio, and power windows. But when the alternator starts failing, it doesn’t just stop working all at once—it gives off warning signs. If you notice unusual electrical issues, dim lights, or trouble starting your car, you might be dealing with a bad alternator. Let’s go over the common signs of alternator failure and why getting it checked early can save you from a major breakdown.


Common Signs of a Failing Alternator


Alternators don’t fail overnight. They usually start showing symptoms that get worse over time. Recognizing these signs on time can help you avoid being stranded with a dead battery.


Dimming or Flickering Headlights

One of the first signs of alternator trouble is fluctuating headlights. Since the alternator supplies power to the lights, a weak or failing unit may struggle to provide a steady voltage, causing your headlights to dim or flicker. This issue is often more noticeable at night or when you turn on other electrical accessories, such as the air conditioning or stereo.


Dashboard Warning Light

Most vehicles have a built-in warning system to alert drivers about charging system issues. If you see a battery-shaped warning light or a symbol that says "ALT" or "GEN" on your dashboard, don’t ignore it. This light usually turns on when the alternator isn’t supplying enough power, signaling that your vehicle is running on battery power alone. If this happens, your car will only last until the battery drains completely.


Strange Noises Under the Hood

A failing alternator can produce unusual noises, including whining, grinding, or squealing sounds. These noises typically come from a worn-out bearing inside the alternator or a loose serpentine belt struggling to keep up with the alternator’s rotation. If the belt is slipping, it won’t turn the alternator properly, leading to inconsistent power delivery.


Electrical Malfunctions

Since the alternator is responsible for powering various electrical components, a failing unit can cause unusual issues. You might notice power windows operating slower than usual, the radio cutting out, or dashboard lights behaving erratically. If multiple electrical problems occur at once, it’s a strong indication that your alternator isn’t supplying enough power to keep everything running efficiently.


Difficulty Starting or Frequent Stalling

If your car struggles to start or stalls unexpectedly, the alternator may not be recharging the battery properly. The battery provides the initial power to start the engine, but without a functioning alternator to keep it charged, your battery will eventually die. If your car starts but then stalls shortly after, the alternator may not be providing enough power to keep the engine running.


Burning Smell Coming from the Engine Bay

A failing alternator can sometimes emit a burning rubber or electrical smell. This is usually caused by overheating wires or a slipping alternator belt. When an alternator overworks itself to compensate for failing components, it can generate excess heat, potentially leading to damaged wires or internal failure. If you notice a burning odor while driving, it’s best to have your car inspected immediately.


Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Alternator Issues


Ignoring a failing alternator can leave you stranded at the worst possible moment. If your alternator completely stops working, your car will only run until the battery drains—after that, nothing will function, including power steering, headlights, and even the ignition system.


A weak alternator can also put unnecessary strain on your battery, shortening its lifespan and forcing you to replace both components instead of just one. That’s why it’s important to address any warning signs as soon as you notice them.


How to Confirm If the Alternator Is the Problem


Since alternator symptoms often overlap with battery issues, it’s important to determine which part is actually failing. Here’s a simple way to test it:


Turn on your car and remove the negative battery cable while the engine is running. If the engine stalls immediately, your alternator isn’t supplying enough power, indicating a failure. However, this test isn’t recommended for newer vehicles, as it can damage the electrical system.


Use a multimeter to check the voltage. With the engine off, your battery should read around 12.6 volts. When the engine is running, the voltage should increase to around 13.7 to 14.7 volts. If the voltage doesn’t rise with the engine on, your alternator isn’t working properly.


Get a professional inspection at Elite Auto Experts. The most reliable way to diagnose an alternator problem is to have it tested by an expert. Our technicians can check for voltage irregularities and determine whether the issue is the alternator, battery, or another part of the electrical system.


Don’t wait for a dead battery to leave you stranded! Visit Elite Auto Experts in Houston, TX, for expert alternator diagnostics and repairs. Call today to book an appointment!

Is It Safe to Drive with a Damaged Oil Pan? | Elite Auto Experts
March 28, 2025
Elite Auto Experts in Houston, TX, explains whether it’s safe to drive with a damaged oil pan. Learn the risks and when to seek professional auto repair.
March 24, 2025
Managing a fleet of vehicles is no small task. Whether it’s delivery trucks, service vans, or corporate vehicles, ensuring your fleet is well-maintained is essential to keeping your business running smoothly and efficiently. Regular fleet maintenance isn’t just a good practice—it’s a necessity for safety, cost-effectiveness, and overall productivity. Let’s dive into why maintaining your fleet should be a top priority.
March 15, 2025
Houston summers can be brutal, and the last thing you want is to be stuck in traffic with an A/C that’s not blowing cold air. If your car’s air conditioning isn’t working properly, every drive can feel like a sauna on wheels. That’s why Elite Auto Experts is offering a FREE A/C Check —because staying cool on the road isn’t just about comfort, it’s about safety too!
A man in a blue shirt is sitting in a car using a tablet. | Elite Auto Experts
March 5, 2025
Don’t Ignore That Warning Light! How Our Free Engine Light Scan Saves You Time & Money.
Technician working on a car | Elite Auto Experts
February 25, 2025
One of the best ways to save money on auto repairs—and to keep yourself safer on the road—is to learn how to recognize your car’s “red flags” before they turn into major problems. While some issues are obvious, like an engine that won’t start at all, many are more subtle and can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. By spotting these warning signs early, you can schedule necessary repairs or maintenance right away, avoiding costly breakdowns, dangerous driving conditions, and bigger headaches down the line.
A man is working on the engine of a car in a garage.
February 18, 2025
Every time you start your engine, motor oil takes on the role of an unsung hero, quietly ensuring all your car’s vital components work in harmony. Because oil changes can seem like a routine chore—often overshadowed by more dramatic car issues—drivers sometimes put them off longer than they should. The truth is, this simple maintenance task is one of the most critical steps in protecting your engine, improving performance, and saving money over time. In this article, we’ll delve into the key reasons why sticking to a regular oil change schedule is so important, and how it can keep more dollars in your wallet. We’ll also highlight how Elite Auto Experts, recognized by many as the best auto repair in Northwest Houston, can help you achieve this goal with ease.
3 Reasons Why Valentine’s Day Is Perfect for Car Care
February 9, 2025
1. New Year, Ongoing Commitment By the time February rolls around, many of our New Year’s resolutions are still fresh. Valentine’s Day adds another spark of motivation—so why not include your car in the celebration? A quick checkup or collision repair can set the tone for the rest of the year, ensuring you’re proactive about your vehicle’s health. 2. Preventing Unwanted Surprises No one wants a breakdown or a surprise dent to ruin the holiday spirit. Whether you’re off to a romantic dinner or picking up flowers for a loved one, the last thing you need is car trouble on a special day. Regular maintenance and timely collision fixes help prevent bigger, costlier issues down the road. 3. Spreading the Love Just like any good relationship, your car needs consistent attention. From tire rotations to paint touch-ups, small efforts over time make a huge difference in the long run. By setting aside Valentine’s Day as a reminder to schedule service, you’re more likely to keep up with the care your car needs—year-round.
Elite Auto Experts Now with GM Collision Certification
February 5, 2025
At Elite Auto Experts, we aim to offer the best auto repair and body shop services. We serve drivers in Northwest Houston , Copperfield , and Cypress . We pride ourselves on combining cutting-edge technology with the best-trained technicians in the industry. We are excited to announce our GM Collision Certification . This is a great achievement that shows our dedication to quality and your vehicle's safety. Below, we will look at why this new certification is important. We will discuss what it means for GM cars owners. We will also explain how it helps all our customers in and around Northwest Houston.
What Are the Most Common Signs of Suspension Problems? | Elite Auto Experts
January 30, 2025
Elite Auto Experts in Houston, TX, explains the most common signs of suspension problems. Learn how to spot issues early and keep your ride safe and comfortable.
Post-Freeze Car Care: What to Check After Houston’s Cold Blast
January 29, 2025
Use these post-freeze car care tips to stay safe on the road. Let’s dive into the key areas to check after we’ve all thawed out.
More Posts
Share by: