Your alternator supplies electricity to your systems and recharges your battery while your engine is running. To keep it running smoothly, you need Ford Alternator Repair Allen, TX.
Regular electrical and charging system diagnostics should be performed to avoid issues related to having a bad alternator.
The stored power inside your car battery is not sufficient to power all the electronic features of today’s Ford vehicles. The battery can provide the energy to start your car, but once your car is running with all electronics functioning, the alternator works as a generator that creates an electric current to keep your battery fully charged.
An alternator uses the engine power to give you the electricity needed to listen to your favorite music or podcast the entire time you are on the road. It also keeps your headlights working at night and your airconditioning running on a hot summer day in Allen, TX.
Almost all Ford vehicles have an alternator, and you can find it near the front of the engine. Alternators are designed with an aluminum exterior and cooling fans that keep it cool amidst the intense heat needed to generate electric power for your car.
Since this is a critical component of your vehicle, you need to address issues before you get stranded in the middle of the road.
What and When to Expect Issues for a Ford Alternator Repair in Allen TX
Most alternators last for seven years or between 100,000 to 150,000 miles. There are several signs to watch out for that indicate a failing alternator on your Ford vehicle. If you notice any of these signs, you should bring your car to your auto mechanic for repairs.
Indicator Light is On
Most Ford vehicles have an indicator light that looks like a battery on your dashboard. If the light goes “on,” it could indicate that your alternator is failing. When there is not enough energy dispensed by the alternator, your vehicle will give you a signal. The light may turn on when you use more than one electric feature in your car. The increased energy needed to power two tasks may be too much for the alternator to handle.
Loose Belt/Worn Bearings
Mechanics who diagnose alternator problems often find belts missing or hanging off the engine block.
A drive belt’s function is to control and provide power to the alternator, water pump, and air conditioner compressor. If you run the engine with a damaged belt, your engine would overheat since the water pump won’t work. Your radiator and coolant hoses can also get damaged due to a broken belt.
Symptoms of a broken drive belt include loud noises coming from under the hood.
A loose belt can affect the efficiency of your alternator. A simple tightening may do the trick, but in cases where your belt is worn out, you need to replace it at once.
Belts must have the proper tension to run the alternator correctly. Too tight is as bad as a loose belt.
An alternator has moving parts that spin when working efficiently. If one of these parts breaks down, you will notice weird noises. A grinding sound may indicate a worn-out bearing that needs replacement.
Vehicle Accessories Slow Down
Today’s vehicles have complex computers and wiring systems onboard, and one of the most common source of electrical problems is your alternator.
A common sign of alternator failure is dim or flickering headlights. You may also notice your windows taking quite a while to roll up or down than usual. When you have a bad alternator, all the systems that are powered by it are affected.
This can include your power locks, dashboard lights, airconditioning, and infotainment system. Other things may be causing the problem, but the most likely problem is your alternator.
Dead Battery
Car batteries will fail eventually, but a bad alternator can cause your battery to drain because it is not recharging. If your battery dies, you should have your alternator checked before replacing it with a new one.
Hard Starting/Stalling
Car’s don’t just run on gasoline. Electricity powers many of the parts of your vehicle. The alternator provides the power to the spark plugs that ignite the gasoline in your engine.
If you notice hard starting or if your engine keeps on stalling, you might not have enough power in your spark plugs.
Common Models that need Ford Alternator Repair in Allen TX
Certain Ford models have ongoing issues with specific parts. If you own a 2005 to 2007 model Ford Focus, you may be experiencing alternator problems.
Several complaints have been reported where the alternators on the said models fail before they should. The wrong positioning of the alternator causes the problem. 2005 to 2007 Ford Focus models have alternators near the exhaust manifold, which generates extreme heat. Excessive heat may cause premature failure of the alternator.
Ford mechanics can help you relocate the alternator, but this will cost more and will be quite hard to accomplish. Relocation would entail extending the wiring, remounting the alternator, and removing other systems like your air conditioner.
Other experts recommend installing a metal heat shield between the alternator and the exhaust manifold, which can reduce the heat that can damage your alternator. You can also add heat wrap products for the exhaust for added heat reduction.
Best Places to go for Ford Alternator Repair in Allen TX
If you are facing alternator problems with your Ford vehicle, you should look for an ASE-Certified Master Technician with years of experience working on Ford alternators.
An auto shop that provides Ford alternator repair Allen TX should be able to answer all your questions and give you expert advice on maintaining your alternator over time.
Look for an auto repair shop that uses OEM parts in their work to ensure durability and performance.
Craig's Car Care Auto shops now have pick up and drop off services, loaner cars, and complimentary shuttle services as standard perks.
Keep in mind that the cheapest rates don’t always equate to excellent service.