Alternator Repair & Replacement Gold Coast QLD

If your car won’t start, stalls frequently or your battery is dead, your alternator may be the problem.

Every vehicle needs electricity. The alternator is responsible for powering a car’s electrical systems and keeping your car battery charged at a stable level.

If your alternator is faulty, your car’s lights and other eletrical accessories may stop working. Your car battery will also gradually lose charge and you won’t be able to start your car.

If you suspect the alterator is having issues, you will need an alternator repair or an alterator replacement by an experienced Gold Coast Auto Electrician.

Contact Adam Today

At Labrador Auto Electrics, Adam has over 20 years experience dealing with all kinds of electrical issues including dead or faulty alterators.

We can diagnose, replace and/or repair alternators which includes computer controlled alternators and we stand by our repairs by providing you with a warranty.

If you reside on the Gold Coast and you’re having problems with your car battery or car’s alternator, call Adam now on (07) 5537 7614 or contact us online today.

Car Alternator’s Explained

The alternator is a generator which is used to recharge your car battery and also supply electricity to the other components of your car while you drive.

Components of the alternator

• Rotor and Stator
• Voltage Regulator
• Diode Recifier
• Cooling Fan

When your car is running, the engine spins the rotor on your alternator producing the electricity required to power your vehicle.

The alternator is an absolutely critical part of your car’s charging system and can break down as a reslt of common wear and tear.

Symptoms of a Bad Alternator

When your alternator starts to fail, it can can create a flow on effect of other problems which can result in additional repairs or a breakdown.

Signs and symptoms of a bad alternator include:

Warning Lights on Dashboard

Most vehicles have a warning light labelled ‘ALT’ or ‘GEN’ or a battery icon. If you notice this light is on when you’re running your vehicle, this is the first sign of a potential issue with your alternator.

In the early stages of a faulty alternator, you may notice this dash light flickering. If you notice this, don’t ignore the light and book in to Labrador Auto Electrics as soon as you can to get it checked.

Dim or Flickering Headlights

If your headlights seem dim or are flickering constantly, this is may indicate alternator problems.

If you notice your lights are dim and then brighten up as you accelerate/rev the engine and then go back to dim, this is a sure sign your alternator is not generating enough power for your car’s components.

Flat Battery or Difficulty Starting

You try to start your car but you hear nothing except the clocking of the relays ticking over – you’ve got a flat battery. A flat battery is can be a sign of a failing alternator, but this is not always the case.

If you get a jump start and your battery ends up dead again, there is a good chance it’s your alternator that is faulty.

Strange Smell Under The Bonnet

If you open up your bonnet and your alternator is faulty, you may be met with a couple of different smells:

• A hot wire or electrical fire smell indicates your alternator is working too hard and is becoming overheated.
• A burnt rubber smell indicates the belt on your alternator is not turning freely and is causing friction.

If you smell either electrical fire or burnt rubber, be sure to get your alternator checked as soon as you can.

Slow Electrical Accessories

The accessories which rely on electricity will often fail when you’ve got a faulty alternator. If you find your electric windows are operating slowly, your radio is operating erratically or heated seats aren’t working, it could be indicative of alternator failure.

It is often possible to notice a pattern with this failure of equipment, with certain systems only not working when you switch them on in conjunction with other electrical systems which draw on power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bad alternator destroy a new car battery?

Yes, very easily. A failing alternator can overcharge, which will damage the battery. An undercharging alternator will leave the battery flat, which speeds up degradation and causes you inconvenience.

How long should an alternator last?

An alternator should typically last about 7 years.

What causes an alternator to fail?

There are a few common causes of alternator breakdown including:

• Faulty wiring.
• Bad rectifier diodes.
• Faulty voltage regulator.
• Dirt/water contamination of bearings.
• Worn out bushes.
• General wear/tear.

Book Your Gold Coast Alternator Repair

We are a close drive to all northern Gold Coast suburbs such as: Arundel, Parkwood, Biggera Waters, Labrador, Runaway Bay, Hope Island, Paradise Point, Southport, Helensvale and Chirn Park.

Many of our regular customers come to us from Coomera, Oxenford, Pacific Pines and even Mt Tamborine which is a testament to Adam’s skill and expertise.

If your battery is dead or your alternator is having problems book online now or call us today now on (07) 55 377 614.