On any vehicle there are a number of electrical systems that all need to work together to help the vehicle function correctly. These components are the battery, the alternator, the solenoid, and the starter. Each of these components has an important role in the running of the vehicle. If any one of these components fails, your car won't go very far. You will be pretty much stuck cold. But diagnosing the various problems can be a pretty large endeavor. When you have an electrical issue, it can be very difficult to know which system is causing the issue. But besides the battery, the alternator is generally the most common electrical component on a vehicle that goes bad. This article will help you determine if you are having alternator problems or if you're experiencing another type of electrical problem.
Alternator issues generally happen while you're driving down the road. But before going forward, let's first discuss what an alternator is and just what it does. An alternator is basically like a mini generator. It is powered by the engine and generates electricity to power all of the different electrical systems of a vehicle such as lights and stereo. The alternator also recharges the battery once the car is on. When the alternator fails while you're driving along the road, the vehicle will begin to lose power, possibly somewhat gradually or else fairly quickly depending on whether the alternator goes bad all at once or if it goes bad gradually before ultimately dying. This power loss will eventually cause the vehicle to lose charge and die. The alternator is required to power the coil, which in turn gives the motor its combustive capability. So you can't run your vehicle without an alternator.
If you suspect that your alternator is bad but it did not fail on you while you were driving down the road, there is another way of trying to diagnose the issue. The alternator is necessary to run the car but not to start the vehicle. Often, if the alternator has gone out, you still might be able to start the car. If you aren't quite able to start the vehicle, you should definitely have the ability to jump start the car. The battery will drain quickly if the alternator isn't able to recharge it though. So if you are able to start the car but not go very far before the car dies on you, then you may want to have a buddy follow you in a different car so they can jump start your car and help you get to the mechanic.
Or, if you don't want to spend the cash, you could always change the alternator yourself. Alternators are pretty well standard and they usually run in the vicinity of $250 or so. So if you're in a somewhat adventurous mood, an alternator is the part with the big ball of copper wire with a metal cage surrounding it. It's circular and slightly smaller than a soccer ball. However, if you have no mechanical experience, it isn't advised that you work on your own vehicle. But if the alternator is easily accessible and you feel as though you have the confidence, then you might want to think about working on it yourself and saving yourself a little bit of money.
