Does Your Kia Need an Alternator Repair?

The alternator is a crucial component in your Kia. It generates electricity while your engine is running to power the vehicle’s electronics and recharge the battery. If the alternator fails, you will notice numerous issues with your vehicle. Let’s look at the signs that indicate you need alternator repair from your Kia dealer.

Does Your Kia Need Alternator Repair? Visit Your Kia Dealer Today

Trouble Starting the Car

If you are having difficulties starting your vehicle, especially after it has been parked for a few hours, you could be dealing with a failing alternator. The alternator recharges the battery while you drive, so if it’s defective, the battery can completely drain while the car sits idle.

Without enough charge in the battery, the starter motor lacks the power to turn over the engine. If you test the battery and it’s fine, then the alternator is faulty and should be replaced.

Flickering or Extremely Bright Headlights

Dimming, flickering, or extremely bright headlights signal problems with the alternator. A healthy alternator should provide steady voltage to the headlights while driving. The voltage should be around 13.5 to 14.5 volts. If the voltage drops significantly, the headlights will dim or flicker.

On the flip side, an overcharging alternator can send too much voltage to the headlights, making them extremely bright. Dim or extremely bright headlights put you and other drivers at risk when driving at night. Have your dealer inspect the alternator to ensure it is operating within the proper voltage range.

Battery Warning Light

Are you getting a battery warning light on your Kia’s dashboard? Although this light is usually associated with battery issues, it can also signal problems with the alternator. The warning light monitors your car’s electrical system voltage and turns on if the voltage rises or drops below the normal range. Schedule an appointment with the dealer right away to get the alternator fixed and resolve the warning light.

Dead Battery

If your battery dies frequently and you are forced to jump-start the car, you should check the alternator for faults. The alternator’s job is to sustain the battery’s charge while driving. If it is faulty, it won’t be able to deliver proper charging voltage, so the battery will drain gradually. Before assuming you need a new battery, have your dealer’s technicians test, and repair the alternator.

Malfunctioning Electrical Systems

All your Kia’s electrical accessories and systems rely on the alternator for power when the engine is running. If the alternator is defective, you will notice malfunctions in the power windows, power locks, sound system, AC, or dashboard lights. These malfunctions occur because there is insufficient voltage to power all the electronics in the car. The only way to restore power to the components is to fix the alternator.

Don’t wait for your faulty alternator to leave you stranded on the road. Contact Coughlin Kia of Newark to schedule alternator testing and repair. If you need a new Kia alternator, we can order and install a genuine OEM one for you.

Tags: ALternator Repair, Car Repair near Newark OH, Coughlin Cars, Coughlin Kia of Newark, Kia dealer in Newark Ohio, Kia services, Newark Kia dealer
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