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You go to start your car, but when you engage the ignition, your car won’t start — and your stomach sinks. If your car won’t start, it’s often due to a malfunction of either the battery or the alternator. If it’s one of those things, recognizing which one can be relatively simple. Battery or alternator: what’s causing the problem?Starting and running an engine, in its simplest form, is a 3-step process. First, the battery delivers a jolt of electricity to the starter. This starts the engine running, which puts the alternator into action. Finally, the alternator completes this cycle by charging the battery. Using the process of elimination, find the culprit by bypassing the battery’s role and jump-starting your car. If the engine starts but dies immediately, your alternator probably isn’t keeping your battery charged. If a jump starts and keeps your car running, but the car can’t start again off of its own power, a dead battery is probably your answer. Signs of a bad batteryCheck for these common symptoms of a dead battery:
Signs of a bad alternatorIf the above steps reveal that the battery is working, it’s time to take a closer look at the alternator. There are certain bad alternator symptoms to look for. Find out how to tell if your alternator is bad¹²:
Can you drive with a bad alternator or battery?While your car can run with a faulty alternator for a short period of time, doing so includes risks and can be dangerous for you and everyone else on the road. Driving on a bad alternator can cause a variety of issues in other parts of your car, including the engine and electrical components. Also, your car’s battery will deplete eventually, causing your car to die. If you don’t have the resources available to jump your car and find yourself in a remote area, this could leave you stranded. Your vehicle can also lose power on its power steering, which can result in you losing control of your car. For these reasons, it’s best to get your alternator fixed to protect yourself and other drivers on the road.³ Fixing your battery or alternator can be an expensive repair. See how you can find the right mechanic to work on your vehicle. Make sure you have roadside assistance so you can get help if your car won’t start. Sources: [1] “Is your car battery dead?” autozone.com/diy/battery/is-your-car-battery-dead Accessed, February 28, 2022. [2] “10 Warning Signs Your Car Battery is Dying,” valleyhondadealers.com/blog/10-warning-signs-your-car-battery-is-dying/ Accessed, February 28, 2022. [3] “Can A Car Run With A Bad Alternator (Risks Of Driving With A Bad Alternator),” Jeffery Ekweghi, autovfix.com/can-a-car-run-with-a-bad-alternator-risks-of-driving-with-a-bad-alternator/ Accessed, Feb. 28, 2022. [4] https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/how-long-do-car-batteries-last Additional car issues resources:
Disclaimer: How do you tell if its your alternator or your battery?Jumpstart your car. If you can turn the engine on, but it dies shortly thereafter, your car alternator likely isn't able to charge the battery. On the other hand, if you jumpstart the car and later on it fails to start on its own, it's likely a dead battery.
How do I know if my alternator is not charging?7 Signs of a Failing Alternator. Dim or Overly Bright Lights. ... . Dead Battery. ... . Slow or Malfunctioning Accessories. ... . Trouble Starting or Frequent Stalling. ... . Growling or Whining Noises. ... . Smell of Burning Rubber or Wires. ... . Battery Warning Light on Dash.. How do you fix a car battery that is not charging?If your car battery isn't charging, here are a few things you should do.. Check the Headlights. ... . Consider the Age and Condition of the Battery. ... . Check for Corroded Connectors. ... . Check for Blown Fuses. ... . Something Unknown is Draining the Battery. ... . Use a Voltmeter.. How long does it take to charge a dead car battery while driving?It takes most vehicles about 30 minutes of driving at highway speeds to fully recharge the battery. Keep in mind that 30 minutes is an average. If your battery is severely discharged, it may take even longer to recharge it.
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