Alternator
Also asked for as: alternator, generator, dynamo
What it does
Charges the battery and powers the electrics while the engine runs.
Signs it needs replacing
- Battery light on the dashboard
- Battery keeps going flat
- Headlights dim and brighten with revs
What to tell the shop
- Vehicle make, model and model year
- Engine size, and whether it is manual or automatic
- The number printed on the old part, or a photo of it
- Whether you want genuine, OEM or a local replacement