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View Full Version : If Your Alternator Is Going Bad, What Are Some of the Signs That It's Going Bad?


Clough
Sep 14, 2009, 06:45 PM
Hi, All!

If your alternator is going bad, what are some of the signs that it's going bad, please?

Thanks!

kitch428
Sep 14, 2009, 07:40 PM
Kind of like the Energizer bunny running out of steam. All electrical function will shut down.

TxGreaseMonkey
Sep 14, 2009, 09:06 PM
Battery becomes discharged, which shows up in a host of ways; e.g. battery idiot light comes on (or goes on and off), engine runs erratically, starter motor is weak, and lights dim. If the bearings are going, they will whine. Here's how to easily test your alternator:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-10.html#post1973613

CaptainRich
Sep 14, 2009, 09:09 PM
Depending on the vehicle, you may notice some systems aren't working like they used to.
Windows may operate slower or not at all. Door locks, too.
The lighting may seem noticeably dimmer.
Not to mention, longer cranking times.
What are the symptoms you are seeing?

Clough
Sep 14, 2009, 11:55 PM
Hi, All!

I didn't see any of the symptoms that have been mentioned here. My question here is in general and also still concerning the '97 Toyota Camry I asked about a number of months ago.

My thing now, is that I think that we've ruled out the alternator for the reason that it won't start and just quit running while I was driving it.

Thanks!

CaptainRich
Sep 15, 2009, 05:40 PM
Timing belt?
Tell us just exactly how and when it "just quit running"...
Oh... and please don't try cranking it any more until properly diagnosed... OK?

kitch428
Sep 15, 2009, 07:38 PM
Haven't we been down this road before?

Clough
Sep 15, 2009, 09:28 PM
Haven't we been down this road before?

Hi, kitch428!

Yes, we have! But, a neighbor felt so sure that it's the alternator, (without testing anything), that I wanted to definitely rule it out by posting separately about it.

Thanks!