Alternator Service Near Slidell, LA

Close up view of a vehicle's alternator component

Alternator Service with Premier Ford of Waveland

The alternator on your vehicle is a critical component to starting the engine and keeping the systems running. If you’re having issues with either starting the engine or getting other electrical components to work, the problem may be with your alternator. If you live around Slidell, Gulfport, or Diamondhead, the place to go for help is Premier Ford Waveland.

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Determining the Problem with Your Alternator

The alternator works with the battery and starter to make your vehicle run. Each component impacts the others. When one starts to fail, it can cause the other components not to work as well.

Most of the time, people look at the battery if the engine doesn’t start. If jumping the vehicle allows it to start, you may assume that the battery needs to be replaced. Instead, the alternator can be the issue, which would cause the battery to die.

To determine whether the alternator or battery is to blame, you can bring your vehicle to the service center at Premier Ford Waveland for a diagnostic check. We’ll test the battery to see if it can hold a charge. If the battery is fine, we’ll look at the alternator next. During our inspection, we’ll look at the drive belts and check the ignition switch and starter. When we determine which component is to blame, we’ll let you know the cost to replace it.

Signs of a Bad Alternator

If the alternator goes bad, it won’t be long until you’re stuck on the side of the road. However, you may notice some signs before this happens, which will indicate you need to have your vehicle serviced right away.

  • Battery light or a Check Engine light stays lit on your dashboard.
  • Headlights and interior lights dim, especially noticeable at night.
  • Your radio, AC, or other electrical components don’t work correctly.
  • Strange noises come from your vehicle, such as squealing.
  • You notice a burned smell, which could come from a broken belt.
  • Your battery won’t stay charged even though it’s new.

If you notice any of these concerns, you should schedule service right away. If your alternator is failing, it won’t be long before your vehicle will be undrivable.

The service center at Premier Ford Waveland can check your vehicle and provide a written estimate of the cost of repair. You can relax in our contemporary waiting area with complimentary Wi-Fi or allow our shuttle service to take you home while we work on your vehicle. The shuttle will bring you back once the vehicle is ready to go. In the meantime, we’ll keep you updated on our progress. You can schedule service online or give us a call for an appointment if you need your alternator checked out. Our service technicians are trained in Ford technology, but we work on other makes and models as well.

Let Premier Ford Waveland help you stay safe on the road with our alternator service. Contact us for an appointment today or to get answers to any questions you may have about our service.