Glossary / Electrical

alternator

130 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

The alternator is the part that charges your car’s battery. If it’s bad, it can make a loud noise.

Technical Definition

The alternator generates electrical power for the vehicle’s battery and accessories while the engine runs. A failing alternator can produce whining or grinding noises.

Hear It Discussed

"...it's because the alternator is no longer tangled already. The radio turned off..."
Special Guest, Nick The Audi Fan — The Carmudgeon Show w Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 183 The Carmudgeon Show 08:38

"It's just not pulling wrenches and taking off an alternator and ask us how well we are"
From Shop Class To Show Time In Wheel Time Podcast: Your Go-To Automotive Talk Show 04:50

"Now shop number one they told her she needed a new alternator 385 bucks. Two weeks later Corey goes in the wire till your light is out cost zero."
#2632: Brilliant or Crazy The Best of Car Talk 01:58