Autotechiq
issues
Navigation

"Alternator Replacement" fixes "Bad Alternator Symptoms"

Above are common repairs to plastic-melting overloading components.

You can find more details and information about shops performing these inspections in your area here.

The AutoTechIQ ranking for Safety, Cost Avoidance, and Environmental Impact is

Safetyi
env level
env level
Cost Avoidancei
env level
env level
Environmental Impacti
env level
env level
Four common causes for a plastic burning smell from the vehicle and their related parts.
This fix will help eliminating

Burning Plastic Smell

The burning plastic smell is typically related to any electrical system overload. Plastic coatings on wires can become heated beyond their limits. Burning can also occur when there is an electrical short circuit.

  • Melted fuse box: The fuse box holds many fuses and connectors and has a vital role in the car's electrical system by protecting circuits and components. However, it can burn if there's an electrical overload or short circuit, producing a burning plastic smell.
  • Faulty blower motor: The blower motor is a mechanism that forces airflow in the vehicle and is essential for A/C and engine cooling. However, it can overheat due to internal electrical issues, causing a burning plastic smell.
  • Faulty alternator: The alternator is crucial to the electric system in a car; it's basically the powerhouse that generates and recharges the battery. Unfortunately, it can overheat and burn internal components, causing a burning plastic smell.
  • Road plastic on the exhaust: Road plastic like shopping bags or plastic debris can bounce on the exhaust and get stuck from the heat. In this case, the plastic keeps burning and producing a telling smell.
  • Relay failure: Relays are vital components in the electrical system; they transfer electricity from the control circuit to the main circuit, basically making a small switch activate a bigger car function(like turning a switch to activate the headlight). However, they can overheat due to exaggerated power drawing, causing a burning plastic smell.

A burning smell coming from the car is typically an early sign of damage. Unfortunately, turning a blind eye to the problem puts expensive wiring, harnesses, connectors, and computer controls at risk.

First, search under your vehicle for plastic bags stuck in the exhaust. In some cases, the plastic melts, and the burning smell travels through the heater and air-conditioning vents. If the problem persists, serious car problems might evolve.

Since most modern cars and trucks have a substantial amount of computer, electrical, or sensor wiring to ensure all essential control functions in your vehicle are working, it is vital to keep them running correctly. Be prepared to share with your trusted shop how they can best reproduce what you’re experiencing during their testing.

Learn More about the Symptom
Four common causes for a “battery” warning light on the vehicle and their related parts.
This fix will help eliminating

Battery Light

The battery light is probably warning you the battery is weak, meaning its voltage is lower than it should be. Alternatively, it can be related to issues on the alternator, drive belt, or internal wiring. Commonly, it can also mean that the battery terminals are corroded.

The battery warning light on your car's dashboard is an important indicator of potential issues within your vehicle's electrical system. It is essential to address any warning signals as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Addressing potential issues with your car's electrical system, be it battery faulty wiring or broken electrical components is crucial. Take the time to review your car's symptoms and consult with a technician for a proper diagnosis.

Even if the issue is nothing more than loose battery cables, you'll do better by having your car inspected. In this article, we focus on helping you understand your car's needs and ensure they are met.

Learn More about the Symptom
Batteries can develop damages, become weak, or run out of power, preventing the vehicle from starting.
This fix will help eliminating

Bad Starter

The starter is faulty because it’s old and worn, or the car’s battery is weak and struggling to engage it. It might also be that the electrical connections are faulty. More rarely, it might be a faulty ignition switch, starter relay, or a broken ring gear.

Are you having trouble getting your car to start? It can be frustrating, but don't worry! This could signal that something's wrong with your vehicle. Paying attention to your car's behavior and understanding how to communicate it with your local auto shop helps you assess the problem before it worsens.

In this article, we'll break down the most common causes of bad starter symptoms. We'll also help you communicate with your mechanic about it by explaining what information they typically need.

Learn More about the Symptom
Four common causes for a vehicle not starting and their related parts.
This fix will help eliminating

No Start

Your car isn’t starting because of a battery problem. The battery might have died or has corroded terminals; this could be caused by the battery being old or feeding a parasitic draw (faulty accessory being active even after shutting off the car). Alternatively, it can be an alternator or starter issue.

Your car is a valuable asset and an essential part of your daily life. However, if it the engine cranks but the car doesn't start, something may be wrong. Ignoring it could lead to costly consequences, so taking control of the situation and understanding the causes and solutions is crucial.

Don't wait for the problem to escalate. By addressing the issue promptly and seeking professional assistance, you can avoid costly repairs, maintain the integrity of your vehicle, and ensure a safe and reliable driving experience. .

Learn More about the Symptom
Four common causes for a vehicle leaking red fluid and their related parts.
This fix will help eliminating

Car Battery Leaking

The battery can leak by banging around if its hold-down rack is faulty.  However, the leak can also come from the terminals getting excess vibrations. Alternatively, if chemical reactions cause internal shorting, the battery can swell and crack.

Don't ignore a leaking car battery! This is a clear warning that your vehicle's roadworthiness is compromised, which could lead to unsafe conditions. It's time to take control and understand what's causing the problem and what you can do about it.

Don't let the problem build up. It's always a good idea to seek the advice of an experienced technician to help you diagnose and fix the issue. By addressing the car battery leak early on, you can avoid costly repairs, keep your vehicle in top shape, and have peace of mind knowing you're safe on the road.

Learn More about the Symptom

Select the state and town where this fix should be performed

Alternator Replacement by city

Alternator Replacement in states of