Alternators

A battery starts your Acura, but its factory alternator charges the battery in the first place. It also runs your car's many electrical systems properly -- everything from its dashboard display, headlights, and power windows to its windshield wipers and radio, even its power steering and heated seats if you have them. New and remanufactured alternators work the same way. They transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. The process begins with your engine. It powers a drive belt that runs a pulley, and that pulley rotates a rotor shaft. The shaft turns a set of magnets on a coil, which generates AC current. The current heads to a rectifier, and that rectifier converts AC to DC power. This is what activates the electrical systems throughout your vehicle. Eventually, even original Acura alternators can go bad, because of degraded parts, bad jump-starts or incompatible accessory installs, or from age. They usually do it without any warning lights on the dash, too. Some signs of alternator failure, like flickering headlights or a car radio that only works intermittently, can be obvious. Other symptoms, such as a burning smell under the hood, a dead battery, or a whining engine, are less obvious. The worst indicator is when electrically powered systems shut down completely. If you're having these problems, diagnose them by running an inspection and a charging system test. To figure out when to change your alternator, check your owner's manual. Usually, alternators get replaced every 80,000 to 150,000 miles, or every 7 years. A genuine Acura alternator will fit the model you drive best. Our auto parts counter stocks plenty, ready to ship immediately. Order online now.