Your Land Rover’s alternator should last about 100,000 miles. If you are looking for a timeframe, this is usually about 10 years. When the alternator starts to go bad, you will begin to have problems with your vehicle’s electrical system. Let’s talk more about this below.
Battery Problems
If you have had to jump-start the battery in your Land Rover frequently lately, this is a sign that the alternator is not able to charge the battery anymore. One of the things that the alternator does is charge the battery while it discharges. This ensures that the battery is always charged.
Light Problems
The alternator also helps the battery provide electricity to the Land Rover’s lights. This ensures that they are always bright and steady. If the lights are dim and flickering, the alternator could be going bad. If the lights are unusually bright, the alternator is producing too much electricity.
Accessory Problems
The alternator also helps to power the Land Rover’s accessories. If you are having problems with things such as the USB charging ports, the rearview camera, the navigation system, or the entertainment system, it could be that the alternator needs to be replaced.
Frequent Stalling
As if the above were not enough, the alternator also powers the spark plugs. Consequently, this means that your Land Rover may stall frequently if the plugs are not firing. Frequent stalling can also be a sign that the Land Rover needs new spark plugs.
Growling Noises
Sometimes, an alternator will make strange noises when it starts to go bad. In most cases, the noise you will hear coming from the engine is a growling noise. It may also grind if it needs to be replaced. If the alternator belt is the problem, you will hear whining or squealing.
Electrical Problems
Aside from the electrical problems discussed above, the alternator can also produce too much energy when it is malfunctioning. This means it is producing more than 14.5 volts. When this happens, the Land Rover’s electrical system will overheat and smell hot.
Dashboard Warning
Finally, the dashboard in the Land Rover may also let you know that the alternator is going bad. In this case, the battery-shaped light will turn on and remain illuminated until you replace the alternator. This light will also turn on if there’s a problem with the battery itself.
There is no need to worry because we are Land Rover experts. If you are having any of the problems discussed in this blog post, call us to schedule a service visit.
