Does Your Kia Need an Alternator Repair?

Your car’s electrical systems depend on the alternator. It provides your car’s electrical power and is responsible for recharging the battery. An alternator is a relatively strong component but can still become damaged or worn out. If you have an alternator problem, as your Kia dealer we can fix it for you. We’d like you to know some signs that you’re going to need an alternator repair very soon.

Signs You Need an Alternator Repair at Your Kia Dealer

Starting Problems

If your battery is struggling to start your car, you may need a battery replacement, or your alternator could be in trouble. The battery uses a large amount of power to charge the starter motor and depends on the alternator to replenish this power. When your alternator is working correctly, it will start charging your battery as soon as your car is moving.

A damaged alternator may not produce enough electricity, which affects all of your car’s electrical systems. The lack of available power will prevent the battery from fully recharging. This means each time you try and start your car, starting will become more difficult. Our technicians can test your battery and the alternator to find the cause of the problem.

Dim Lights

Dim lights can be a sign your alternator is failing. A new alternator produces more electricity than your car can use. As the alternator ages, the amount of power it supplies drops. Eventually, your alternator won’t be able to supply all the electrical systems simultaneously. Your computer will have to allocate the limited available power according to demand.

You may notice that your headlights are dim, then suddenly become much brighter. This odd behavior is due to the computer assigning only enough power to the lights for them to switch on. As more power becomes available, the computer will overcompensate and assign additional power to the lights. Our technicians will test the alternator and install a new one if needed.

Damaged Wiring and Connectors

Your car’s systems depend on electricity, and this requires an extensive wiring system. The wires connect the alternator to all your car’s electrical systems and components. The wiring in your car is protected by thick insulation against water, dirt, and heat. Wiring, unfortunately, is fragile and can be damaged despite this protection.

Wires can fray or break, and this cuts off the electrical supply to their components. Connections can loosen due to the movement of your car, and even a slight gap is enough to break an electrical circuit. Rust, grease, or dirt can damage the connectors and block electricity transmission. Our technicians can trace and replace any damaged wiring, and we can also clean or replace damaged connectors.

If your alternator is showing signs of trouble, call us ASAP at Ken Ganley Kia Mentor.

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