Your alternator is a relatively simple component, but it is a critical part of your vehicle. It is powered by the turning of the crankshaft, and it turns this mechanical power into electrical energy. This energy is used to charge your battery and power all of the electrical devices in your Chrysler. An alternator has a finite life, and when it starts to fail you need to see your Chrysler dealer for an alternator repair.
How to Tell When You Need To See Your Chrysler Dealer for an Alternator Repair
Damaged or Misaligned Belts
The serpentine belt, also known as the alternator belt, drives several devices in your engine including the alternator, the water pump, and the power steering pump. As the belt moves, it spins pulleys attached to each of these devices and powers them. The belt is made from tough, reinforced rubber and moves continuously as you drive.
Although the belt is tough, the constant tension and movement can cause it to wear down. If the belt frays, it will work less efficiently. The belt can also partially slip off one of the pulleys, or one of the pulleys can jam and disrupt the belt. If you pop the hood, you can visually inspect your belt and any damage will be easy to see. Our technicians can install a new belt if it’s damaged, or if there is a problem with one of the pulleys we can fix that too.
A Weird Smell
A damaged or misaligned belt will still move, but it will create more friction than it was designed to. This friction causes the belt to heat up, and this produces a burning rubber smell which also signals that the belt is taking extra damage. An electrical fire smell from the engine means that the belt is slipping and needs to be correctly reset on one of the pulleys.
Our technicians will check the tension on the belts, their overall condition, and look for signs of a misaligned belt. We can replace the belt if necessary, but the belt may simply need to be reset and tensioned correctly. A serpentine belt is inexpensive, and our service department always has replacements available.
Damaged or Loose Wiring
Your engine contains numerous wires and cables that transmit power from the alternator to all the peripheral devices that require it. Cables can fray due to wear, and this will affect the supply of power in your car. A wire can also loosen due to movement and this can also disrupt the electrical supply. Damage or loose wiring is not always easy to spot, but our highly-trained technicians have the best technology available to trace any electrical supply problem.
If you have strange noises or noises from your engine, or something just doesn’t feel right, call our service center at Tom O’Brien CJDR – Indianapolis. Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we can speedily find and repair any problem with your vehicle.
Connect with us
