Franklin Auto Service Automotive Tips: Alternator

Posted August 22, 2021 9:32 AM

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 Franklin 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 Franklin Auto Service 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 Franklin Auto Service 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 Franklin drivers is to replace the serpentine belt system – not the alternator.

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

Give us a call.

Franklin Auto Service
32725 Franklin Rd
Franklin, MI 48025
248-626-2080
www.franklinautoservice.net





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What our clients are saying about us

We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!

Franklin Auto has taken great care of our cars for several years. Yesterday, I had a flat tire at 5:30 pm and they took care of it, even though they close at 6 pm. I highly recommend Franklin Auto! quotes-image
, 06/17/2026
Stopped into Franklin Auto Repair while traveling through Marietta with an issue on my catalytic converter. Dan, Elvin, and Khan got me taken care of and back on the road fast. What I appreciated most was that Dan was upfront from the beginning. He explained the best-case, middle-case, and worst-case scenarios so I knew what I was dealing with before any work started. No surprises, no guessing, and no unrealistic promises. Just straight answers. Elvin and Khan took a look at it, put their heads together, and got the issue fixed. They worked efficiently, the repair was done right, and they got me back on the road a lot quicker than I expected. As someone passing through town, it's easy to worry about getting stuck somewhere or being told you need a bunch of extra work. That wasn't the case here. They identified the problem, fixed it, and got me moving again. Good people, solid work, and a straightforward experience. I'd recommend them to anyone needing automotive work in the Marietta area.quotes-image
, 06/07/2026