Yes, a bad starter can indirectly lead to alternator failure, primarily by overworking the battery and, by extension, the alternator trying to crank a failing starter, draining power excessively and causing the alternator to overcompensate and burn out trying to recharge the depleted battery, though a direct starter-to-alternator short is rare. The starter demands a lot of power from the battery, and if it struggles, it puts a huge load on the charging system, stressing the alternator.
Increased Battery Drain: Faulty starters often require multiple attempts to start the engine, draining the battery more quickly than usual. Alternator Damage: Overworking the alternator to compensate for a weak starter can lead to its failure, adding to your vehicle's reliability issues.
Keep reading to discover four of the most common causes of alternator failure.
Check the warning light: If the warning light on the dashboard is on, it's a good indication that the alternator is failing. Test the battery: Test the battery with a voltmeter to ensure that it is properly charged. If the battery is weak or dead, it may be a sign of a failing alternator.
A worn alternator will make a whining sound when it's running and will smell burnt. A bad starter will click when you turn the key but nothing mechanical will... start. Your dash lights and stuff will come on from the battery being charged obviously but it sounds like it's more likely an alternator issue.
Here are some common bad starter symptoms to look out for.
You can often tell when your starter is going out, giving you a chance to replace it before it fails. However, a starter issue is sometimes mistaken for a battery or alternator issue, so it's vital to know the difference between starter and alternator problems to save yourself time and money.
Rapid clicking noises can indicate that your battery is too weak to start the vehicle or that you have an issue with the alternator. A new battery or recharge of your current battery could fix the issue.
7 Common Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Alternator Repair
If it fails, you'll be stranded on the roadside with no way to power your vehicle's electrical needs. Your alternator could burn out for several reasons, from car accidents to overheating to loose wiring. Still, there are two common causes of an alternator burning out: overcharging and defective parts.
A blown alternator fuse will prevent the charging system from working properly, leading to a variety of problems that can mimic a bad alternator.
The top six reasons batteries die include:
These two systems are both necessary, but they're not really related otherwise. The starter motor cranks the engine to get it running, and once it fires up, the alternator takes over. The alternator recharges the battery and provides power to the car's electrical systems, but the starter isn't active during this time.
Faulty Starter Motor
Also, if the starter solenoid has a short, there could be a constant drain on the battery whether the engine is running or not.
If your alternator isn't producing enough current to run the car and charge the battery, hitting it with a hammer isn't going to buy you time. In fact you may end up damaging the frame of the alternator to where it won't be accepted as a core, or totally locks up and you won't be able to start the car to move it.
The components in this system rely heavily on one another — the battery needs an alternator, the starter needs a battery, and the alternator needs a battery and a starter to begin producing power. So when one component fails, the rest may experience problems as well — making it difficult to pinpoint the issue.
Signs & Symptoms of a Bad Alternator
As long as that alternator is creating electricity and the battery is good, your car should start and stay running. If the vehicle won't crank or start but the headlights are still working, look to problems with the starter or other parts of the engine.
A failing alternator can produce strange noises, such as whining, grinding, or squealing. These sounds are often a sign that something inside the alternator is wearing out.
If you know the symptoms of a bad starter, you can shock your vehicle back to life long enough to get to a mechanic by giving your starter a tap with a hammer or solid metal object.
A definitive way to test the starter motor is by performing a bench test. This requires removing the starter from the vehicle and using jumper cables to connect it directly to a battery. This test can confirm whether the starter motor itself is functional or needs replacing.
Wondering "How long does a car starter last?" The quick answer is around 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
Battery corrosion: Can mimic starter symptoms if ignored. Damaged or worn-out parts in the starter system: If you have aged or worn parts in your starter system that fail, this can affect your vehicle's ability to start. Oil leaks: Leaky oil can soak and ruin the starter.
Bad Starter Symptoms
Clicking Noise: If you hear a clicking noise when you try to start your car, it could be a sign that the starter is failing.