Acura has earned a special place in the realm of premium automotive companies…
Vehicles manufactured by this luxury vehicle division of Honda are renowned for their advanced technological features, powerful engine options, and dynamic handling capabilities. Despite its desirable qualities, there are some challenges Acura owners may encounter. Its electrical system components, the alternator in particular, can malfunction unexpectedly. Today’s blog post aims to help you address alternator-related problems in your Acura model before they escalate into serious, expensive repairs.
Brief Overview Of The Alternator’s Role
The alternator is the only electricity-generating component of your vehicle… It converts the mechanical energy generated by the engine into alternating current (AC) through a process known as electromagnetic induction. The alternating current is then converted to DC by the rectifier so that it can be used to power the vehicle’s electrical system components and recharge the battery. If a part of such significance malfunctions, the functionality of key electrical components of the vehicle such as the lights, dashboard instruments, and power windows, will be impacted.
Key Symptoms Of Alternator Problems
Dimming headlights and interior lights
If there is something off with the alternator, it will struggle to maintain a steady supply of power to headlights and the interior lights of your vehicle. As a result, they’ll struggle to maintain their normal brightness and may even fail to stay consistently illuminated. Don’t take your Acura’s flickering lights for granted. Have the alternator and other electrical system components checked by a factory trained professionals to diagnose the issue accurately.
Strange noises
The alternator works by harnessing the engine power. Its’ rotor is connected to the engine’s crankshaft through a pulley and belt system. The rotation of the crankshaft sets the rotor in motion and induces voltage generation in the stator windings. For the rotor to operate smoothly, there are numerous bearings incorporated into the system. If one of these bearings acts up or the belt linking the alternator to the engine’s crankshaft comes loose, strange grinding, rumbling, or squealing noises will emerge from the alternator as it operates.
Battery issues
You will encounter all sorts of battery-related issues in your Acura if its alternator is faulty. The battery serves a very specific purpose, which is to power electrical accessories of the vehicle when the engine is off. By supplying the ignition system components and the starter motor with the requisite amount of electricity, the battery also aids the engine starting process. If the alternator gives up, it won’t be able to recharge the battery properly―causing starting difficulties among other issues.
Electrical malfunctions
Your Acura’s power windows, radio, and central locking system may act erratically if the alternator is having a hard time meeting their energy demands. Issues with the alternator or any other key components of the vehicle’s charging system can also contribute to unexpected illumination of different dashboard warning lights, such as the battery light and check engine light.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Prevention is better than a cure: if you don’t want your Acura’s alternator to fail prematurely, adhere to its maintenance schedule. Listed below are a few things that you can do to prevent unexpected alternator failure in your vehicle;
- Include alternator checks as part of routine maintenance visits.
- Routinely check key components of your vehicle’s charging system―including the belt and other connections.
- It has been found that a weak or aging battery can put additional strain on the alternator. Keep track of your vehicle’s battery health, and if you realize it has reached its maximum serviceable life, consider replacing it.
- Avoid using high-power electrical accessories when the engine is idling or off.
When To Seek Professional Help
If you are noticing any of the aforementioned signs, it’s time to contact the nearest Acura service center to have the alternator assessed by certified technicians. If it is not working as it should, consider replacing it. Because if you don’t, it can contribute to all sorts of electrical troubles in your vehicle. Timely diagnosis and repair at an experienced service center can prevent the escalation of the alternator issue and ensure reliable vehicle operation.
Fix Your Acura’s Defective Alternator At VIC Auto Repair & Service
The alternator is the heart of your 