Does Your CDJR Car Need an Alternator Repair?

You probably don’t realize it, but the battery in your car isn’t the thing running all of your electrical components, like your radio or windshield wipers. While your car battery is primarily used to assist with ignition, your vehicle’s alternator is responsible for powering everything else. Because the alternator is so critical for your vehicle’s functioning, you will need an alternator repair at your CDJR dealer in Wilkesboro, NC as soon as you notice issues.

When your alternator starts to fail, you will likely notice other systems in your vehicle failing, too. When basic features like lights, locks, windows, and air conditioning stop working, it’s time to schedule service right away. Other signs that you may need to take your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram to the dealership to fix the alternator include:

Dying Car Battery

The charge on your battery relies on your alternator, so if you notice that your battery dies very quickly after you start your car, you probably have an alternator issue. In this scenario, the best thing to do is to have your alternator replaced. Your Jeep battery may not need to be replaced at all. 

Additionally, the warning light on your dashboard for the battery may turn on. Most drivers will interpret this light as a sign the car battery needs to be replaced, but the truth is that the battery warning light can turn on if there is any issue with the vehicle’s electrical system. Because your alternator is so closely tied to the electrical components of your vehicle, the battery warning light may turn on when the alternator starts to fail.

Burning Scent

If you notice a smell like an electrical fire in your car, this is usually because the alternator has failed. When an alternator is overloaded, it tries to send the excess electrical current through wires connected to other parts of the car. This causes the wires to overheat, which is what causes the smell of an electrical fire. 

Loud Engine Sounds

Your Jeep engine should always emit a pleasant sound, so when it starts growling loudly, there’s probably a problem under the hood. Alternator failure can often lead to grinding and growling noises as the engine’s bearings start to fail. Sometimes, this symptom is paired with general electrical failure in your Jeep, Dodge, Ram, or Chrysler. 

Unstable Headlights

If your headlights are too dim or too bright, then this could be caused by an unstable electric current from the alternator. While flickering headlights are often caused by bulbs about to burn out, if your new headlights are having these issues, then the alternator is the likely cause. 


If the electrical components of your car start to malfunction, the root cause might be your alternator instead of your battery. To keep your car in good condition, you should schedule a repair service at Randy Marion CDJR as soon as possible. 

Tags: alternator repair, auto service, cdjr dealer wilkesboro nc
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