Why does my battery light come on when I drive through water?
It could be water was getting between the contact surface of the belt and the pulleys. If the belt slips this will cause the light to turn on since for that time that the belt is slipping the alternator is not spinning correctly, therefore not charging the system how it should.
What happens if the alternator gets wet?
When they get wet, this lubrication wears away. The brushes then get damaged by the electrical arc and wear out. Repeated exposure to water can also cause these brushes to rust which can cause them to come out of contact with the slip rings. The other issue you’ll run into with a flooded alternator is grime.
What are the signs of a bad alternator or battery?
Signs of a Bad Alternator or Battery Your stomach sinks as you put in your key, only to have your car not turn on. If your car won’t start, it’s often due to a malfunction of either the battery or the alternator. If it’s one of those two, placing the blame can be relatively simple.
How long does an alternator last in a car?
On average, car batteries last between 2 and 5 years. Eventually, the level of battery charge diminishes to the point where, no matter how much power the alternator gives to it, the battery can’t hold enough power to start the car.
What to do when your alternator stops working on your car?
After running the motor for a while, turn the car off. If you can’t get it to restart, this is a sign the alternator is doing its job of keeping the battery working while the motor is running, but the battery isn’t retaining the charge when the alternator has stopped. The car battery could be old.
How does an alternator and battery work together?
Anything less than that and your car isn’t even able to start. Both of these car parts control your electrical system. However, your alternator charges your battery while your battery supplies power to your car. The failures of a battery are sudden, while failures of a failing alternator are slow.