3 Signs Your BMW Need an Alternator Repair

Your car’s systems require electricity to function, and the purpose of your alternator is to produce electricity. The alternator is the main component of a complex system for transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy. Like any mechanical component, your alternator will eventually start to wear out. When the alternator starts wearing out, it’s time to plan for an alternator repair. As your BMW dealer, we can fix it when the time comes.

Dim Lights

If the headlights are dim when you switch them on, this could be a sign that your bulbs need to be replaced. It can, however, also be a sign that your alternator is failing. A healthy alternator produces approximately 14.5 volts, which can recharge your car battery and maintain the electrical system. When an alternator starts to wear out, its electrical output drops. If there’s insufficient electricity production, your car’s computer has to decide how to allocate available electricity.

The computer will allocate electricity to priority systems first and then it allocates the remaining power as needed. Dim headlights mean that the bulbs are being supplied with just enough power to operate. You’ll be able to see if you have an alternator problem or a lightbulb problem if there’s a change in the bulb’s brightness. Lights that become brighter after a few minutes mean you have an alternator problem.

Damaged Wiring

The electricity produced by the alternator has to be transported to the components that need it. A complex wiring system takes the electricity from the alternator to all of your car’s devices. This wiring is coated in plastic and rubber to protect it against damage and the harsh conditions in the engine. Wiring is delicate, and it can get damaged. A broken wire connected to a device, for example, the CD player, will cause that device to fail.

Your alternator will keep trying to supply power to a device that’s failed. As more power is moved down a broken wire, the wire will start to heat up. If you have damaged electrical wiring, you’ll start to smell a burning plastic smell. Our technicians can replace damaged wiring easily, and we’ll have all your devices working again in no time.

Blown Fuse

All of the electrical components in your car are controlled by fuses. These fuses work exactly like the ones in your home. If the alternator fuse blows, the alternator will stop working immediately. Without an alternator, your car’s devices will start to draw power from the battery. A car battery has a very limited storage capacity, and no ability to produce power.

The demands on your battery will cause the battery to drain, and this can happen in as little as 15 minutes if your battery is fully charged. When we replace the fuse, your alternator will switch on again.

If you experience any problems with your alternator, call us right away at Valley Auto World BMW. Our expert technicians will fix the problem.

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