That awesome, constant growling or screeching under the hood that increases under load is a sign as well as the alternator seizes up. Your exterior lights will be dim or flicker too.
You may also hear a winding noise coming from it when the barring inside is no good. It will still pass a check at a auto parts diagnostic. So just replace it.
Exactly what happened with my car. Didn't know at the time though, so took it to mechanic, mainly due to battery light flickering on and off. They did tests, costing me $100s! Told me battery is fine, alternator is fine, must be faulty wiring. Off I drive a little lighter of pocket. Two weeks later, car engine cuts out at a traffic light. Stranded, blocking a lane! Anyway long story, towed back to same mechanic. Only now, the story is, oil has been dripping on alternator for quite some time, it's stuffed. Well you could have told me that the first time, hey! I would have then made an informed decision while still having a functioning car, knowing it was on it's last legs or $$$ to fix. Bit pissed at that mechanic, especially as they have the reputation for being expensive but excellent and very thorough!
I am experiencing an issue much like yours so oil was tripping on the alternator and it caused it to shut off? Were they able to fix it? How much was it to fix it? If so, I just broke down last night did your steering wheel go stiff at all before the engine shut off??? I went in for same reason batter light kept coming on and was told it was good and to was my alternator then two days later stranded on the freeway!! I specifically said I am in no danger of breaking down correct and they said no 😣
@@qt1558 as I understand it, getting a new alternator cost varies between models. In my car, apparently it was in a tricky place so labour costs would be fairly high. Total quoted was about Australian $1100 for the part plus labour. Apparently oil dripping on alternators IS fairly common and often the alternator doesn't suffer too much and that's why they didn't flag it as a problem, but I think they really ought to have, especially as they couldn't explain the flickering battery light otherwise. I decided to just part ways with this car, it was old and had a few other issues too, a young man bought it from me pretty cheap (I was happy with the price too) with the knowledge about the alternator and the intention to work on it himself. It was still a good powerful car if it had an owner willing to put in some work so I'm glad it didn't just get scrapped. The engine itself was still very good. No, the steering didn't lock on my car. I just drove it a few kms that morning, stopped at a traffic light like normal then it died a death of flickering dashboard lights. Good luck with yours.
@@qt1558 I actually think the mechanic didn't believe me about the battery light, as he couldn't get it to come on himself (I don't actually think he even took it for a test drive to see). Mansplaining that it could have been another light, despite me insisting, definitely the battery light, it's intermittent, and flickering. I think some mechanics think women are total idiots.
this just happen to me a few days ago the battery light would blink and and off every other days last few days finally the battery light decided to stay on today. gonna take my car to the shop tomorrow to get the alternator replaced.
I was going down the road and then all of the sudden my battery light came on, then the power steering light, then the abs, then the check engine, and the car died eventually. I had the alternator and battery tested, and they said they were good. I actually replaced it 1 1/2 ago and the battery is a couple months old. I’m thinking maybe it’s the voltage regulator cause after charging the battery the car with start. It just dies after a bit. So the charging system isn’t working. If you got any ideas. I’d greatly appreciate it.
Before changing the alternator check if the pulley is spinning while the car is on. If not then the pulley is seized up and is probably your problem, so you can Change the pulley instead of the whole alternator
Depends. If lights blink a little when starting the car, it's normal. If lights blink when cranking the car, but the battery is charged, then the battery cable might be loose, or there is an issue with the battery cables like corrosion. If the lights or the cluster blinks fast when the engine is running, then there is a charging issue, meaning that the Alternator is not charging the battery correctly.
I have a subaru crosstrek installed a new alternator and the battery lite is now on, and windows are slow to close, car has died on me, you are right, question/thought does the alternator also has to be subaru, the original was not the new one,
My car suddenly turned off on me while driving … it started fine but as i keot driving i noticed the lights got really dim so i used my hi beams then eventually i turned a corner into a parking lot and the car died out on me i tried to turn it back on but it would t atart just keot making a slow clicking noise then left came back a couple hours later the lights came on dash lit up radio ac worked but when i tried to start it made slow clicking noise again after a few more attemps the lights wouldnt turn on anymore nor the radio or the dash or ac and it still made the slow clicking noise and still wont start …. Im not a mechanic only do basic maintnance on my vehicle any thoughts what it could be ?
I have a 2010 mazda 3 2.5l In my dash I only have the traction control light , engine temperature warning lights on and a check engine light with a code p0117 (Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit has lower than normal voltage.) Do you think it’s the alternator, I recently bought one and waiting for it to get here
A bad alternator will not charge the battery. The car won't start unless you jump start it with another car but as soon as you take off the jumper cables off of the battery the car turn off and the battery light should turn on in the dashboard. That's how you know that there is an issue with the alternator or charging system of the vehicle
Mr. Link greetings, I use Nissan Sentra 2006 n16 from Malaysia and it consume fuel a lot what could be the possible cause and i want know if the exhaust line uses converter
Hi, too much fuel consumption can be caused by misfires, leaking fuel injectors, EVAP leak (fuel vapor leaking to the atmosphere), or the car is just too old
Hey so here's my problem car wouldnt start yesteday. I jumped it started right up. I turned it off vehicle started again. I tried it next morning car wouldn't start is it battery or alternator?
Can loose battery terminals cause my car to die? I've been charging my battery all night but my battery terminals are very loose...which causes the lights on the dashboard to start flickering and whenever I turn my headlights on, turn the radio on, or let my windows down it drains the battery
Clean the battery cables for corrosion...or tighten the cables...or battery cables is no good..not enough power going to the battery from cables...or change the alternator...to test...run the car on... Disconnect red cable on battery while car still running..if car stay running with the red cable un plug...it's the battery..if the car turns off...it's the alternator.
What happens if the car been sitting for a long time with a old battery but stop running when a new alternator is in is it still the alternator or the old battery
The easiest way to know is to jump start the car, when the car starts, if it turns off when you take off the jumper cables then the Alternator is bad, but it stays running, then the battery is bad
My 2003 jetta hiccupped on the highway and then started slowing down and died while it was slowing down the traction control light came on blinked twice i think and then the battery light came on and the car died and wont start now any suggestions? Bad battery or alternator? Or will the traction control not make the car start?
Depends on what it is doing. Let's say it doesn't crank, then, I would start by scanning for any codes and start diagnosing the starter circuit and work my way back if the starter is not the issue
@WrenchLink well I changed the gas pump, the harness, spark plugs, coils, n starter. It turned on. But once I changed the hub bearing, it don't want to start. It doesn't give the spark
Could be the alternator or the battery. Alternator because it isn’t charging the battery enough when the engine is on for it to start up later on or battery because it’s unable to hold power and doesn’t have enough when you try to start it.
Jump start it first, if it starts then test the battery to see if it's good. If it doesn't start then something else is going on with starting or ignition system
@WrenchLink My alternator was changed in may,,, but my battery still dies every few days to a week it varies. And also today while I was turning at a light all my lights were flickering and my car kept turning off and on.
i put in a brand new battery in my 2001 vw jetta, the car wont crank, no clicking sounds, nothing headlights work, radio, subwoofer, power doors etc even if an alternator is bad, should a car start up fine with a new battery and then that means the issue is something else ?
@@tonyalston4838 no i put in a brand new battery, "new" rebuilt starter , alternator is rebuilt from 2 years ago, fuel pump works (i can hear it) i dont know whats wrong
@@vorce224 i gave up, its parked on my driveway not putting any more money into it i'm working from home and getting groceries delivered so not too concerned right now
Signs of your vehicle needing to be cleaned inside… lots of dust build up. Nice video btw
Lol true
@@WrenchLink lol atleast he said nice video
Lmao
🤣
Did not have to do him like that 🤣🤣
Thank you sir. That’s exactly what happens to my Honda pilot right now 😢. Battery 🪫 light stays on
Me too. It’s stressful
@@TWOMARKISSit ain't that bad alternator are good to learn for beginners
That awesome, constant growling or screeching under the hood that increases under load is a sign as well as the alternator seizes up. Your exterior lights will be dim or flicker too.
True
Mines doing that.
Homie had a bad alternator when he tried to say alternator
It’s probably the alternator
Mickey Mouse shot sonic
my car still has interior lights but when i try to start the car it try’s but slowly sounds like it’s dying while trying to start
Same
whats the fix??
You helped a lot bro thank you
You may also hear a winding noise coming from it when the barring inside is no good. It will still pass a check at a auto parts diagnostic. So just replace it.
Exactly what happened with my car. Didn't know at the time though, so took it to mechanic, mainly due to battery light flickering on and off.
They did tests, costing me $100s! Told me battery is fine, alternator is fine, must be faulty wiring. Off I drive a little lighter of pocket. Two weeks later, car engine cuts out at a traffic light. Stranded, blocking a lane! Anyway long story, towed back to same mechanic. Only now, the story is, oil has been dripping on alternator for quite some time, it's stuffed. Well you could have told me that the first time, hey! I would have then made an informed decision while still having a functioning car, knowing it was on it's last legs or $$$ to fix.
Bit pissed at that mechanic, especially as they have the reputation for being expensive but excellent and very thorough!
I am experiencing an issue much like yours so oil was tripping on the alternator and it caused it to shut off? Were they able to fix it? How much was it to fix it? If so, I just broke down last night did your steering wheel go stiff at all before the engine shut off??? I went in for same reason batter light kept coming on and was told it was good and to was my alternator then two days later stranded on the freeway!! I specifically said I am in no danger of breaking down correct and they said no 😣
@@qt1558 as I understand it, getting a new alternator cost varies between models. In my car, apparently it was in a tricky place so labour costs would be fairly high. Total quoted was about Australian $1100 for the part plus labour.
Apparently oil dripping on alternators IS fairly common and often the alternator doesn't suffer too much and that's why they didn't flag it as a problem, but I think they really ought to have, especially as they couldn't explain the flickering battery light otherwise.
I decided to just part ways with this car, it was old and had a few other issues too, a young man bought it from me pretty cheap (I was happy with the price too) with the knowledge about the alternator and the intention to work on it himself. It was still a good powerful car if it had an owner willing to put in some work so I'm glad it didn't just get scrapped. The engine itself was still very good.
No, the steering didn't lock on my car. I just drove it a few kms that morning, stopped at a traffic light like normal then it died a death of flickering dashboard lights.
Good luck with yours.
@@qt1558 I actually think the mechanic didn't believe me about the battery light, as he couldn't get it to come on himself (I don't actually think he even took it for a test drive to see). Mansplaining that it could have been another light, despite me insisting, definitely the battery light, it's intermittent, and flickering. I think some mechanics think women are total idiots.
That Ford Focus alternator was not a easy fix for me
I know the feeling
Definitely not an easy task on these or Nissan 3.5L engine
this just happen to me a few days ago the battery light would blink and and off every other days last few days finally the battery light decided to stay on today. gonna take my car to the shop tomorrow to get the alternator replaced.
Thank for explaining my situation sir this is exactly what's happening with my car
Good video thank you. I’m changing my alternator
You're welcome
🤦🏽♀️ Me too now
I was going down the road and then all of the sudden my battery light came on, then the power steering light, then the abs, then the check engine, and the car died eventually. I had the alternator and battery tested, and they said they were good. I actually replaced it 1 1/2 ago and the battery is a couple months old. I’m thinking maybe it’s the voltage regulator cause after charging the battery the car with start. It just dies after a bit. So the charging system isn’t working. If you got any ideas. I’d greatly appreciate it.
Thank you bro my car has those symptoms
You're welcome
You're welcome
OK, all the lights go on but my car still runs
Alright
Fact it happened to me just yesterday 😬
Thanks
I'm glad I could help!
Before changing the alternator check if the pulley is spinning while the car is on. If not then the pulley is seized up and is probably your problem, so you can Change the pulley instead of the whole alternator
Battery good but lights blinking is it the alternator or starter
Depends. If lights blink a little when starting the car, it's normal. If lights blink when cranking the car, but the battery is charged, then the battery cable might be loose, or there is an issue with the battery cables like corrosion. If the lights or the cluster blinks fast when the engine is running, then there is a charging issue, meaning that the Alternator is not charging the battery correctly.
I have a subaru crosstrek installed a new alternator and the battery lite is now on, and windows are slow to close, car has died on me, you are right, question/thought does the alternator also has to be subaru, the original was not the new one,
Thank you sir
You're welcome
Signs of a lazy car owner is obvious too
My car suddenly turned off on me while driving … it started fine but as i keot driving i noticed the lights got really dim so i used my hi beams then eventually i turned a corner into a parking lot and the car died out on me i tried to turn it back on but it would t atart just keot making a slow clicking noise then left came back a couple hours later the lights came on dash lit up radio ac worked but when i tried to start it made slow clicking noise again after a few more attemps the lights wouldnt turn on anymore nor the radio or the dash or ac and it still made the slow clicking noise and still wont start …. Im not a mechanic only do basic maintnance on my vehicle any thoughts what it could be ?
My battery light is on and the battery teats came out normal. Alternator has one chewed wire from mice
_it’s probably the alternator_
My check engine light turns on and off every day is it the alternator?
You are telling right
2005-2007 Focus ST?
So what if my engine decides to get hot due to it?
I have a 2010 mazda 3 2.5l
In my dash I only have the traction control light , engine temperature warning lights on and a check engine light with a code p0117 (Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit has lower than normal voltage.) Do you think it’s the alternator, I recently bought one and waiting for it to get here
A bad alternator will not charge the battery. The car won't start unless you jump start it with another car but as soon as you take off the jumper cables off of the battery the car turn off and the battery light should turn on in the dashboard. That's how you know that there is an issue with the alternator or charging system of the vehicle
For my car it won’t start but my radio in my lights still works is that size of a need a new alternator?
Did you ever figure it out.? I’m having the same issue I thought it was my battery replaced that and still won’t crank over
Check your alternator belt to see if it’s damaged
Mr. Link greetings, I use Nissan Sentra 2006 n16 from Malaysia and it consume fuel a lot what could be the possible cause and i want know if the exhaust line uses converter
Hi, too much fuel consumption can be caused by misfires, leaking fuel injectors, EVAP leak (fuel vapor leaking to the atmosphere), or the car is just too old
@@WrenchLink thanks sir
My car cranks I begin to drive & get to about 30mph-40mph and my speedometer gets to flickering and car jerks. I just replaced my battery & terminals
What was it
It shouldn't die with a bad battery as long as it's running. Most likely a bad alternator or a different issue
Spark plugs and coil pack maybe
This recently happened to me too , is it the alternator?
What causes a car to cut off when your at a stop light?
Alternator
Also check your transmission fluid...if low...car can just stop running.
Hey so here's my problem car wouldnt start yesteday. I jumped it started right up. I turned it off vehicle started again. I tried it next morning car wouldn't start is it battery or alternator?
Hi, sorry about the late reply.
It might be the battery or a parasitic draw.
Can loose battery terminals cause my car to die? I've been charging my battery all night but my battery terminals are very loose...which causes the lights on the dashboard to start flickering and whenever I turn my headlights on, turn the radio on, or let my windows down it drains the battery
Clean the battery cables for corrosion...or tighten the cables...or battery cables is no good..not enough power going to the battery from cables...or change the alternator...to test...run the car on...
Disconnect red cable on battery while car still running..if car stay running with the red cable un plug...it's the battery..if the car turns off...it's the alternator.
My car when I start it. Almost wants to die. But then it gets up to correct idle rpm and that’s it. Could that be a issue with an alternator
Most likely not the alternator.
That sounds like a bad engine Misfire (engine performance)
Awesome thanks! She ran on 3 cylinders before I changed the head gasket looks like she’ll do it again!
@@BlaineStDenis ok
What happens if the car been sitting for a long time with a old battery but stop running when a new alternator is in is it still the alternator or the old battery
The easiest way to know is to jump start the car, when the car starts, if it turns off when you take off the jumper cables then the Alternator is bad, but it stays running, then the battery is bad
@@WrenchLinkThis answers my question. I jumped my car it stay started . It start back up but next morning car is dead cold drained it I'm guessing .
My 2003 jetta hiccupped on the highway and then started slowing down and died while it was slowing down the traction control light came on blinked twice i think and then the battery light came on and the car died and wont start now any suggestions? Bad battery or alternator? Or will the traction control not make the car start?
If the car starts by jump starting it and turns off when unhooking the jumper cables, then I'd check the Alternator circuit.
@@WrenchLink found out the timing belt broke and the valves bent so new car i guess
Does the oil pressure light sometimes turn on as well ?
Yes but it will turn on along with other lights. If the oil pressure light turns on by itself then that issue is related to oil pressure issues
Ignore Hugh ugh Vyvanse g g g
What a joke lol thanks for telling us how the lights work
Mine doesn't want to turn on. I have a scion xa n the temp icon is on while the car is off
Depends on what it is doing. Let's say it doesn't crank, then, I would start by scanning for any codes and start diagnosing the starter circuit and work my way back if the starter is not the issue
@WrenchLink well I changed the gas pump, the harness, spark plugs, coils, n starter. It turned on. But once I changed the hub bearing, it don't want to start. It doesn't give the spark
My car is 02 merc sable. I try to start it and it wants to click over but shakes and shuts off. Is that the alternator?
Could be the alternator or the battery. Alternator because it isn’t charging the battery enough when the engine is on for it to start up later on or battery because it’s unable to hold power and doesn’t have enough when you try to start it.
Jump start it first, if it starts then test the battery to see if it's good. If it doesn't start then something else is going on with starting or ignition system
I have the same issue
@@Blazerows it was my computer
will your radio and horn and ac not work as well?
I’ve heard a faulty alternator causes issues with the radio and other electrical components.
So lights are dim , no sound when I try to turn car on
Most likely battery is weak
Same and what about stiff steering wheel?
On your car they just circled the problem on the steering wheel
😁😁😁😂
With a bad alternator, would my car die while driving???
Yes. Happened to me before.
@@babeezler5229 godddddammmmittttt lol. Thanks for the info
All that happens when you have a bad battery. Replace the battery and all that gets fixed
Not all the time, just depends on the signs
I just replaced my battery but my battery light is on.
@@Ejejesksjssame
@WrenchLink My alternator was changed in may,,, but my battery still dies every few days to a week it varies. And also today while I was turning at a light all my lights were flickering and my car kept turning off and on.
i put in a brand new battery in my 2001 vw jetta, the car wont crank, no clicking sounds, nothing
headlights work, radio, subwoofer, power doors etc
even if an alternator is bad, should a car start up fine with a new battery and then that means the issue is something else ?
Did you find the issue ?
@@tonyalston4838 no
i put in a brand new battery, "new" rebuilt starter , alternator is rebuilt from 2 years ago, fuel pump works (i can hear it)
i dont know whats wrong
@@TL.... possibly a pcm/ecu problem
What about now u find anything??
@@vorce224 i gave up, its parked on my driveway
not putting any more money into it
i'm working from home and getting groceries delivered so not too concerned right now
How are u able to sit down in that car without feeling too irritated? Mehn u r a top notch human
My car has the engine light issue
different things can cause the check engine light to illuminate. Scanning the code will point you to the right direction
Do you have a solution for a dusty AF steering column?