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At one point or another, every car owner has had to deal with starting problems affecting their vehicle. There are many reasons why a vehicle will not start, with the major ones being a bad alternator or dead battery. It can be frustrating dealing with a car that is not starting, particularly when you do not know what the problem is. This is why it is important to know how to tell if it is the battery or alternator that is faulty. This article highlights all that you need to know about starting problems in vehicles.
Signs of a Bad Battery
A bad battery can be the reason why your vehicle is struggling to start. There are a few ways in which you can determine if the problem is from the battery. If the car starts inconsistently, making no sound or failing to turn on the interior lights, then your battery is most likely failing. It could also be the case of an electrical draw or even a corroded connection. An engine that is cranking sluggishly is also a telling sign of a failing battery. If you can see visible signs of corrosion on the terminal of your battery, then it is damaged and needs replacement.
If your car does not start without jumpstarting it, then the problem is the battery. It is necessary to confirm if the battery is simply low or damaged. Some causes of a low battery include a failing alternator, as well as drawing from fuses, alarms, sound systems, or even auxiliary lights. In any case, it is best to check your battery regularly.
Signs of a Bad Alternator
The telling signs of a bad alternator include dimming lights, bad output from the stereo system, starting trouble, as well as the vehicle failing to start at all. Another sign of a bad alternator is a sudden stalling of your vehicle when you are on the move. Listen for squealing sounds whenever you put on components like a sound system or heater, as this is a sure sign of a faulty alternator.
Another way to know that your alternator is faulty is through the AM radio. Turn the volume of your AM radio down, and then rev the engine. Listen to the sound that the radio gives off to determine if the alternator is faulty. If you hear a fuzzy sound or a whine, then you surely have a bad alternator. The headlights coming on, when the vehicle fails to start is also a sign of a bad alternator.
It is important to note that a bad alternator can damage your battery, as it is responsible for regulating the electric current in the car. It is essential to check your alternator at all times, as a faulty alternator will shorten the lifespan of your battery.
Conclusion
Whether the problem is with the alternator or the battery, it is important to get it checked by a car mechanic to get it back in prime condition.
