Basically, the alternator's job is to turn mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy. It’s like a little power plant under the hood. It recharges your battery while you drive, and then supplies power for everything electrical – lights, radio, power windows, even the stuff controlling the engine itself. It’s constantly working when the engine is running. Think of it this way: the battery starts everything, gives it that initial kick, but the alternator keeps everything running while you’re driving. The battery really shouldn’t be doing all the work all the time. The alternator takes over and provides the consistent power needed to operate everything. It’s connected to the engine by a belt, so as the engine spins, it spins the alternator. If the alternator goes bad, things will start failing. At first, you might notice dimming headlights, or the battery warning light coming on in the dash. You’ll notice if your electrical systems start acting a little wonky – maybe the radio cuts in and out, or the windows are slow. Eventually, the car might struggle to start, or even die while you’re driving because the battery is drained. It’s a pretty critical component. If you suspect it's failing, it’s best to get it checked out promptly. You can find a good selection of alternators, along with helpful diagrams, over at Fixparts Online, if you want to browse. But getting it diagnosed properly is always a good first step. It acts like a shield protecting your battery and keeping all your electrical systems functioning properly. Shop with confidence: Alternator (MPN 12318406639) comes with a 12-month warranty!

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