Your Kia’s alternator is a mini generator that produces electricity for your car. Some of the energy it produces powers the various components and accessories in your car. The remainder is stored in the battery. Over time, like all components, your alternator will eventually show signs of weakening. When this happens, you’ll need an alternator repair. As your Kia dealer, we’d like you to know some signs that your alternator could be failing.
Your Alternator Is Old
On average, your alternator will last for approximately eight years. It will weaken as time passes and won’t produce as much electricity as it once did. This process takes time, and you’ll see signs that your alternator is failing. As the alternator grows weaker, your car will develop electrical problems as the available power drops.
You may experience random electrical glitches, like a sunroof that won’t open or heated seats that won’t turn on. These problems will become more frequent as the alternator worsens. Our technicians can test the alternator for you. If it fails the tests, we’ll replace it for you, and the electrical issue will disappear.
Damaged Wiring
The power generated by your alternator needs to go to every component and accessory, which requires wiring. Your car contains several miles of wires and cables. Unlike wiring installed in your home, electrical wiring in your car has to contend with movement, heat, oil, and other possible damage-causing situations.
Despite its insulation, wiring can eventually wear out or start to fray. If this happens, the components attached to the damaged wiring will shut down. Your Kia’s computer will signal the alternator to supply more power to the failed component. As more electricity is pushed into the damaged wiring, this generates increasing heat. This heat can cause the wiring to burn and produce a foul burning plastic smell.
Damaged Alternator Belt
The alternator belt powers your alternator, AC compressor, and other important components. This belt is attached to the crankshaft, and as the crankshaft turns its movement causes the belt to move. The belt runs at high speed across a series of pulleys, causing them to spin. The spinning pulleys then power their attached components.
A pulley can jam due to metal fatigue, lack of lubrication, or other problems. The jammed pulley will abrade the belt slightly every time it passes over the pulley. In time, this can cause the belt to snap. We’ll fix the jammed pulley and test your belt. We can also replace the belt if it’s damaged.
A damaged alternator will always show signs it’s failing, and this gives time to prepare for replacement. Call us at Koons Kia of Owings Mills.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.