The starting system and the charging system make up the bulk of the electrical system. Important components are batteries, the starter, the alternator, interconnecting wiring, and electrical relays. If your alternator isn't functioning properly, it can actually effect your truck's overall efficiency and be fairly costly over long hauls, leading to increased fuel costs and possible downtime.
Is it a dead battery or a failing alternator? Here's a quick checklist to diagnose which it might be:
If your alternator's not running properly, your truck will drain your battery reserves and stop powering lights, starting, or other issues. If you're going to replace a battery, check the alternator first to make sure it's delivering adequate current.
Dim and/or flickering lights are one of the most commons signs of a failing alternator. It might be a sudden burst of light coming from your headlights or simply a dim or flickering dashboard. Either way, this is a telltale sign that your alternator needs service.
Is your radio turning off out of nowhere? Or maybe your phone isn't charging? Or maybe your power seats feel like they're taking forever to adjust. This shows a lack of electrical power and could likely be the result of your alternator or batteries not functioning properly.
If you're calling for emergency roadside service with this one, your in the right place. Your alternator might be the issue if your engine suddenly cuts power while hauling. It's likely the result of the vehicle no longer providing enough power to the ECM, which will shut down around 9.6v.
Don't be the guy who ignores the "Check Engine" or "ALT" light. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to your truck. Note that your dashboard might show a battery icon even when the alternator is the issue.
The serpentine belt is going to stretch over time. As it stretches, it stops spinning the alternator pulley properly and it results in a lack of charge. You'll notice this when a squealing, growling, or grinding sound is coming from the engine.
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Billy Roy
Critical: Professionalism, QualityI wouldn’t use the clowns again! Came in because my regen light was on and wouldn’t go off and check engine fault code was on. They preformed 2 parked regens and used their computer. They said I needed an ECU update, but I just had the ECU replaced 3 months ago. Then they tell me their computer can’t update the ECU because their software is out of date. But yet they still charged me $193.49 for using the computer. It was a complete waste of my time and money. They didn’t get anything resolved, they must be desperate for money!Service: Auto engine diagnosticI wouldn’t use the clowns again! Came in because my regen light was on and wouldn’t go off and check engine fault code was on. They preformed 2 parked regens and used their computer. They said I needed an ECU update, but I just had the ECU …MoreCritical: Professionalism, QualityService: Auto engine diagnostic
david mircea
Paul was great with me, was broken down with leaking air line, got me out in a timely manner. Employees seem highly no l knowledgeable. Prices were given before with started (after they assessed problem). Everyone was super nice and friendly. I used to own a auto repair shop so I understand some of these reviews, one time we had a customer for an oil change, in our shop the car didn't start, he called police we assessed problem and his fuel pump went. One customer accused us of stealing her speakers! From what i saw this place is five star.Paul was great with me, was broken down with leaking air line, got me out in a timely manner. Employees seem highly no l knowledgeable. Prices were given before with started (after they assessed problem). Everyone was super nice and …More
Bobbie Gomez
Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, ValueI will recommend anyone and everyone to Angel’s Truck Service. My family and I were on a road trip and were in desperate need of help with our lights. We walked into the shop and everyone was extremely busy there. Even with them being busy, Tyler came out to help us right away! He was professional and knew how to get the job done. Within 30 minutes my family and I were back on the road. We called 5 other RV/truck repair shops that all said they were too busy to help us. We are so thankful and grateful that Angel’s Truck Service understood that we had an emergency and jumped to the rescue. Thank you for helping make our trip safer and a much better experience.Service: ElectricalI will recommend anyone and everyone to Angel’s Truck Service. My family and I were on a road trip and were in desperate need of help with our lights. We walked into the shop and everyone was extremely busy there. Even with them being busy, …MorePositive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, ValueService: Electrical