Do I Have a Bad Alternator or Bad Battery?

The moment your car, truck, or SUV engine does not start there is a feeling of distress and panic. In this type of situation, there are two reasons why you are experiencing this issue: a dead battery or a bad alternator affecting your starter. 

To help you identify the problem, our service center at Dellen Chevrolet Buick GMC provides you with signs to determine whether you have a bad alternator or a bad battery. Providing you with the symptoms and the service team, we want to help you get your vehicle back on the road. 

Schedule Service

How Do I Know if I Have a Bad Battery?

It is almost second nature to pull out the jumper cables when your engine will not turn over after multiple tries. To verify that your battery is causing the starting issues, signs that indicate a defective battery rather than an alternator issue include:

• Dim Dashboard Lights or Headlights 
• Slow Engine Start or No Start 
• Visible Battery Corrosion
• Warped or Old Battery

If a jump-start keeps your car running, but the car can't start again off of its own power, you most likely need to replace your battery. A dead or low battery can also occur due to a failing alternator. Different electric systems such as auxiliary lights, fuses, sound systems, and alarms can cause a dead battery. 

How Do I Know if I Have a Bad Alternator

If during the jump-start your engine starts but dies or stalls immediately, your alternator probably isn't keeping your battery charged. Other signs you want to look for to determine if your alternator is the cause of your problems include:

• Cranking Troubles and Frequent Engine Stalls
• Dimming or Overly Bright Headlights 
• Dimming Interior Lights 
• Malfunctioning Electrical Accessories - turning the AM radio to a low number on the dial without music, then revving the engine. If you hear a whine or the sound goes fuzzy when you hit the gas, your alternator is probably failing.
• Illuminated Dashboard Warning Light
• Squealing Sound

Schedule Service in Greenfield

If your Chevrolet, Buick, or GMC needs its battery or alternator replaced or inspected, schedule an appointment with our service team and one of our technicians will provide you with the required assistance.

Should you need a new battery or alternator, we use genuine OEM car parts to make sure your vehicle stays in its original condition 

If you have any questions or want more information on our routine car maintenance services, please contact us. Serving the New Castle and Indianapolis areas, we are more than happy to help you.

Schedule Service