When your alternator begins to fail it can cause a variety of different electrical problems in your car, and eventually cause a breakdown. Alternators can go bad suddenly, or slowly over time. If your alternator is slowly going bad over time there are some warning signs you can look out for.
What causes an alternator to fail suddenly?
Alternators put out alternating current, and the battery needs direct current to charge, so there is a voltage rectifier that converts it, and it can suddenly go bad, too. A faulty voltage regulator can also stop an alternator from charging at all.
Can an alternator just go bad without warning?
There are only a few ways an alternator can go bad, but they tend to happen suddenly without a lot of warning. Here are the common symptoms: Undercharging – This is the most common problem, and can often be caught in the early stages.
Will a car run with a bad alternator?
Can a car run with a bad alternator? A car can only run for a short time with a failed alternator. The alternator charges the battery when the engine is running and, once the battery is depleted, the vehicle will die and fail to restart.
Related Question Can an alternator fail suddenly?
Will a bad alternator cause a car to shut off while driving?
Damaged Alternator
If your alternator is not working correctly, then your vehicle will eventually stall and turn off. Most people don't realize that your battery does not run your car. Your battery is only designed to start your car.