Alternators and starters serve similar purposes, but they aren’t exactly the same. While they both help ensure your tractor or truck is powered, their primary functions are different. Starters are responsible for the initial start of a vehicle while the alternators recharge the battery as the vehicle drives to ensure the battery is reliable and constantly powered. Because these purposes are similar, the problems that affect these parts can look similar as well. However, there are some key differences that distinguish alternator problems from starter problems.
One such example is failure of your vehicle to start. Both alternator and starter issues can lead to a failure to start. However, faulty alternators manifest in an inability for anything powered by your battery to turn on, whereas faulty starters only manifest in the engine not turning on. You can distinguish between the two problems by turning on your vehicle’s lights. If the lights turn on but the engine won’t, the starter is likely the problem. If the lights won’t turn on either, the alternator is the likely culprit.
You can also pay attention to the odd noises that these parts make when they break down or malfunction. Noises are warning signs of all kinds of different problems, so learning to distinguish between them can be a challenge. Generally speaking, grinding or whining points more towards an alternator problem while clicking is more indicative of a starter problem.
Whether your truck or tractor needs a new alternator or starter, we’ve got you covered at Longview Alternator & Starter Co. We stock high quality alternators and starters that will help your vehicle start and remain powered.