Zak is new to the CarBuzz team, working as a freelance content writer. When Zak isn't writing How To articles for CarBuzz he's working as a high school automotive technology instructor. Before ...

Disconnecting the battery while the engine is running isn't a valid test for alternator function and may damage sensitive electronic parts. Instead, use a common voltmeter and the following test ...

People may think that the battery powers the electrics in your car, but that’s not the case. The battery provides electricity needed for the electric starter motor to start the car. When the car is ...

If your car or truck won’t hold a charge, or if you’re having signs electrical gremlins like dimming headlights, you probably need a new alternator. “If you keep a vehicle over 100,000 miles, chances ...

Q–This past week I noticed my headlights getting dim occasionally, especially when I turn on the heat, use the radio or use my power windows. I think it is an electrical short, but “where” is the ...

I had to get my alternator replaced a couple days ago on my '95 Saturn SL1 and was wondering if there are any early warning signs I should have noticed. <BR><BR>I mean, the check battery light had ...

There are worse things that can break under the hood, so it’s not the end of the world—or your bank account. Alternator trouble is a very common occurrence, and unless you live with a silver spoon in ...

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Recent dash light disco electrical mayhem from the Starlet served as a reminder that an automotive electrical system can go haywire at any time. An ...

The alternator is responsible for charging the car battery and powering all the car's onboard network consumers. If it fails or is unstable, the battery will either not be charged or start discharging ...