Back to all

Ryan?s Auto Repair of Plymouth Automotive Tips: Alternator

July 14, 2024

Your alternator makes electricity to start and run your engine and all of the vital electrical systems in your vehicle. That’s everything from the on-board computers to the turn signals. And of course there is the entertainment system, seat heaters, power windows and everything you plug into the power outlets. After your alternator makes enough electricity to do all that, it recharges your battery with what’s left over.

When Plymouth drivers constantly have a low or dead battery, the alternator is usually a prime suspect. However, the alternator is just one vital component of the starting/charging system, and a problem with any of the other components could be the actual cause.

In addition to the alternator, the charging/starting system includes the battery, starter, serpentine belt system and all of the electrical cables that connect them. Your Ryan?s Auto Repair of Plymouth service advisor has a systematic process of testing components and connections to get to the source of your trouble. The initial symptoms determine where to begin the diagnostic process, and he follows the procedure until he tracks down the culprit.

For example, diagnostic tests at Ryan?s Auto Repair of Plymouth could reveal that the alternator is not generating enough electricity to keep the battery charged. Is the alternator bad? Not necessarily. A worn serpentine belt tensioner could be allowing the belt that spins the alternator to slip. So the perfectly good alternator is not spinning at the proper speed. The solution for Plymouth drivers is to replace the serpentine belt system – not the alternator.

The good news for Plymouth drivers is that our highly-trained technicians at Ryan?s Auto Repair of Plymouth can properly diagnose all your vehicle troubles and make the necessary repairs to get you back on the road in Plymouth.

Give us a call.

Ryan?s Auto Repair of Plymouth
41990 Joy Rd
Plymouth, MI 48170
734-454-0979
http://www.ryansautorepairplymouth.com



Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Ryan's Auto Repair of Plymouth

Fuel Filter Service in Plymouth, MI

April 15, 2026

There are a surprising number of small, inexpensive parts that can lead to expensive engine damage when they fail. It doesn't seem right.Fortunately a lot of those things can be taken care of in routine maintenance. They may not be easy to remember because it is a long list, but your service cent... More

Plymouth Customer Detective Work

April 14, 2026

One might say the most challenging part of being an automotive service technician at Ryans Auto Repair of Plymouth is diagnosing a problem before it can be fixed.Cars are made up of a bunch of complex systems. There usually could be a number of reasons for any given symptom. So, it's challenging ... More

Timing is Everything (Timing Belt)

March 29, 2026

Talk about exquisite choreography; it happens under the hood of your vehicle every time you take a drive. Your engines many complex parts must work exactly together. One key is a part called a timing belt, which enables the synchronizing of two of your engines components, the camshaft, and the ... More