Industrial Supplies and Other Stuff

It occasionally happens to everyone – turning on the ignition key and the vehicle won't start. Technicians quickly point the problem to either a faulty alternator or dead battery. But actually, it could be an alternator problem caused by a dead battery.

First, Pinpoint If it's a Battery Issue

The battery supplies power that starts the vehicle and allows its electrical system to run. As the battery ages, it becomes less able to retain a charge since the metal inside gradually corrodes over time. Therefore, even if the alternator is working perfectly and battery performance reduces beyond the minimum required level, the vehicle won't start.

Check the battery gauge on the dashboard to ascertain whether it is sending a charge even when the vehicle is switched off. A flickering light means that something is consuming off power from the battery. If this is so, typical cause can be connections commonly used, like windshield wipers, automatic window openers and the brake lights. Switch them all off then try the battery again.

If the vehicle is harder to start on cold mornings, cranking of the engine is sluggish, there is no sound, the interior lights fail, then it's possibly a failing battery. A loose or corroded connection or electrical draw could likely be the problem.

Try jumpstarting, if it works then you've confirmed it's a battery problem. Figure out whether there are underlying issues with the battery or it's simply at the end of it life.

On the other hand, the battery is not able to retain the charge without the help of the alternator.

How to Tell If it's the Alternator

Some of the tell-tell signs that the alternator is the problem are problems with stereo system output, dimming lights, no-starting and trouble starting. A sure sign is if the vehicle starts but stalls when you're underway – an indication the battery is probably not being recharged due to a faulty alternator. A squealing sound coming from the engine that gets louder when the sound or heater system is draining power indicates faulty alternator, specifically alternator bearings.

If the inside and dashboard lights come on brightly but slowly start to fade, then that's indication there is a problem with the alternator, based on the fact that an alternator charges the battery when the vehicle is running. Meaning, it is not keeping a charge when the vehicle is running. Also, when the vehicle lights show brightly when you race, but lose power when you slow down.