Does Your Toyota Need an Alternator Repair?

The alternator in your Toyota produces electrical power for all your car’s systems and devices. The alternator will eventually wear out, and you’ll need an alternator repair or replacement. As your Toyota dealer, we can help you with any alternator problem. These are some signs your alternator could be failing.

Random Electrical Problems

Your Toyota’s electrical system is designed for stability and efficiency. If you start to experience random electrical problems, you could have a dying alternator. The alternator, as we’ve seen, produces the power for your car’s systems. When an alternator starts to fail, its electrical production starts to drop. This problem isn’t readily apparent, as your alternator always produces more power than your car needs.

When the alternator has worn down and can’t produce enough power for all your car’s systems. Your Toyota’s computer will take over and apportion the available power to the systems that need it the most. This can lead to strange situations like a window that stops closing and then suddenly closes a few minutes later. We’ll test your alternator, and we can replace a worn-out alternator very quickly.

Damaged Battery

A damaged battery can cause your alternator to fail and burn out. Your alternator recharges the battery and starts this process as soon as the engine is switched on. The battery isn’t recharged at full power, as this places too much strain on the alternator. Instead, the alternator charges the battery at full power for five minutes and then reduces its charging strength.

The alternator depends on the battery to send a signal that the first five-minute charge has been received. If the battery is damaged, it won’t send that signal. Your alternator will continue to try and charge your battery at full power and wear itself out in the process. Depending on the damage, we may be able to fix your alternator, or we may need to replace it.

Failed Rectifier

The rectifier is a small component in the alternator that converts power. As the crankshaft turns, it causes the alternator belt to run across the alternator pulley. The pulley spins in response to the belt’s movement, and this powers the alternator. The spinning movement enables the magnets in the center of the alternator to produce magnetic energy.

The magnetic energy is captured by the stator and converted into AC. Your car’s systems, however, require DC power. The rectifier’s job is to convert AC to DC. If the rectifier fails, this conversion won’t happen, and your car will rapidly lose power. We can replace the rectifier to fix this problem.

If you suspect an alternator problem, call us right away at Ed Martin Toyota.

Image courtesy of cottonbro studios via Pexels

Posted in Around Town, Ed Martin Toyota, Ed Martin Toyota, Ed Martin Toyota Dealer, Ed Martin Toyota Service, Local Toyota Dealer, Noblesville Toyota Dealer, Noblesville Toyota Service, Noblesville Used Cars | No Comments »