Blog

Cars have extensive electrical systems that make driving safer and easier. Electrical can, unfortunately, develop problems over time due to worn wiring, blown fuses, and other issues. As your Ford dealer, we can trace and repair any electrical problems for you. These are some signs your car could have an electrical issue. 3 Electrical Problems You Should Always Fix at Your Ford Dealer Blown Fuses Fuses are vital for all electrical systems, as they protect the system they're connected to from damage. Fuses are designed to absorb any electrical shorts or other rogue charges and then blow out. When a fuse blows, it prevents the current from flowing through it to damage the electrical system. A blown fuse, however, prevents the system it's attached to from working until the fuse is replaced. A blown fuse might not be noticed immediately, depending on the component that's affected. If the fuse for the sunroof, for example, blows during an Ohio winter, the problem is unlikely to be noticed until spring arrives. A blown alternator fuse, in contrast, will trigger the battery warning light as the alternator will stop supplying power to your car's systems. Our technicians will test the fuses and replace any blown ones. more Dead Battery The battery supplies the power needed to start your engine. On average, the service life of a battery is between three and five years before it needs replacement. A battery can also fail due to a damaged voltage regulator, a worn alternator, or loose battery connectors. A battery that's losing power will always show signs it's struggling, like dim lights or starting problems. One of the alternator's jobs is to replace the power used to start your engine and maintain the battery at full capacity. It does this by starting the recharging process as soon as your engine is running. A worn alternator generates less power than it should, and this reduces the recharging rate of the battery. We'll examine your battery and the electrical charging system to identify the problem, then we'll repair it. Damaged Wiring Wiring connects the alternator that supplies electricity to all the systems and devices that require power. A car's engine is a very hot environment for wiring, and all the wires and cables are protected against heat with thick rubber and plastic insulation. Despite the best protection, wiring can wear out due to age and the constant flow of electricity. Worn wiring becomes brittle and can break. A broken wire cuts off the electrical supply to the component or components it's connected to. If one of your car's electrical systems suddenly fails, damaged wiring could be the culprit. We'll trace and test the wiring and replace any damaged sections we find. Problems with the electrical system can grow worse over time. If you experience a problem, call our service department at Ken Ganley Ford.

Each year, an estimated 33,000 road accidents are caused by tire failure. But if you regularly inspect your tires for damage, check their air pressure, and take them in for rotation, you're very unlikely to have a tire fail on you. Keep an eye out for the following eight signs of trouble, any of which should prompt a swift visit to your nearest Ford dealer for a set of new tires. 8 Signs Your Ford Needs New Tires Low Tread Depth During the warmer months, it's unwise to drive on tires with tread depth under 2/32 of an inch. In fact, it's illegal to have less than this tread depth in most states, including Ohio. During winter, it's considered unwise to drive on treads shallower than 5/32 of an inch. To help know when your treads at too worn down, keep an eye on the tire wear bars inside the largest voids between your treads. These little bars are usually 2/32 of an inch high. So when your treads have worn down to the level of these bars, you know it's time for replacements. more Uneven Tread Depth If just one of your tires has significantly shallower treads than the others, your handling will suffer, and you're at risk of skids. You'll have to replace the full pair or set of tires. With front or rear-wheel drives, you can generally change your tires in pairs. But if you have a car with four-wheel drive, you'll need to replace all four tires at once. You can mitigate the risk of uneven tire wear with regular tire rotation, which should usually be carried out twice a year. Blistered Rubber Any blistering or bubbling in tire rubber means the structural integrity of the whole tire is threatened. Bubbles often indicate an internal puncture. That tire will have to go. Cracked Sidewalls The rubber of tire sidewalls contains a little moisture as part of its compound. This moisture can gradually dry out in the powerful UV rays of direct sunlight, which starts to crack the rubber. Hairline cracks are okay, but anything larger means the tire is on its last legs. Deeply Cut Treads Sharp objects on the road can slice into tire rubber. As with cracks, tiny cuts are usually harmless. But if you see a cut that's over an inch in length and deep, your tire will probably need replacing. Embedded Objects Sometimes an object, like a sharp stone, nail, or scrap of metal, can become embedded in your tire. Embedded objects might conceal a hidden puncture. Pull it out to see how deep the damage goes. Winter's Approaching The slippery, icy roads of winter offer a whole new challenge to car tires. It's always wise to install winter tires as the temperature drops. Your Ford Dealer Finds a Fault Experienced technicians can often spot issues that you might miss, such as if your wheels are slightly misaligned or cambering, causing unusual tire pressure. This is why regular servicing visits at your local dealership are so important. Visit Ken Ganley Ford today to have your tires inspected, rotated, or replaced. We provide the local drivers of Ohio with top-notch vehicles and customer service.

If you are looking for a work truck that can work as hard as you, check out the 2022 Ford F-550 at your Ford dealership. The Ford F-series debuted in 1948, and Ford has only been increasing the quality of its trucks since. Ford and its pickup trucks have decades of history proving their excellence, durability, and power. Check Out the 2022 Ford F-550 at Your Ford Dealership One of the features that sets the F-550 above its competitors is its factory-installed auxiliary upfitter switches. These six standard switches include two 40-amp switches and four 25-amp switches. Additionally, these switches and their associated relays are integrated into the overhead compartment, ensuring you have easy access to them at all times. These upfitter switches can be used for winches, two-way radios, lights, strobes, and more. more Power The F-550 comes standard with a 7.3L 2V DECVT V8 gas engine that is built to handle the most strenuous tasks and heavy loads. Ford has designed this engine to handle idling for long periods, and the cast-iron block with a forged steel crankshaft is incredibly durable. This V8 produces 335 horsepower with a maximum available torque of 468 lb-ft. If you are looking for more torque, choose the available 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine. The available turbo diesel engine features a unique inverse-flow configuration that puts the power ratings of this truck's competitors to shame. The 6.7L Power Stroke is a third-generation engine that boasts stronger cylinder heads, connector rods, and steel pistons to keep up with the incredible 330 horsepower and 825 maximum lb-ft of torque this engine delivers. Transmission An engine this powerful deserves a transmission that is just as impressive. The F-550 features a TorquShift 10-speed auto transmission with selectable drive modes. This new transmission is standard across all chassis cab models and has been engineered to deliver optimal drive ratios and performance. In addition to the incredibly smooth shifting this transmission offers, you can choose between five drive modes. These selectable modes are normal, slippery, tow/haul, eco, and deep sand/snow. You can select the drive mode that best suits your driving conditions, and the truck automatically shifts power to the wheels to ensure you have optimized traction. Trailer Sway Control The F-550 comes with AdvanceTrac with roll stability control and trailer sway control. This system uses highly tuned sensors to monitor your trailer and then apply selective wheel braking with reduced engine power to help you stay in control in every situation. The '22 F-550 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a heavy-duty work truck that can put in long hours. Come visit us at Ken Ganley Ford and check out our new and used inventory, including our commercial vehicles, today.

It's important to keep all components of your vehicle in optimal condition with a good maintenance schedule. A regular brake service is one of the most critical, with advice suggesting that it should be performed every six months, and certainly no less often than once a year. Here's our list of the benefits you'll reap by getting your braking system routinely checked by your Ford dealer. 5 Benefits of Asking Your Ford Dealer to Perform a Routine Brake Service on Your Car 1. Safer on the Road The most important aspect of your car is how far it can be trusted to keep you and other road users safe. Your brakes are the most fundamental part of your car's safety systems, so you need to know that they'll bring your vehicle to a halt straight away and give you precision control over your speed. A regular service will ensure that your brakes are fully responsive and working exactly as they were designed to do. more 2. Better Driving Experience Well-maintained brakes will improve the responsiveness of your car. They'll make it easier to adjust your speed and give you more control while driving, allowing you to tackle highways and winding roads with equal confidence. Worn brakes can also affect the wear and alignment of your tires, and this will undermine your car's balance and handling as well. Regular brake checks will help to keep all parts of your car working in harmony. 3. Cost-Effective Maintenance Your braking system is precisely designed to reduce speed and absorb the resulting friction. For example, components such as brake pads are essential to prevent metal-on-metal friction between the calipers and rotors. A mechanic will be able to identify which parts are worn and replace them before your car suffers more expensive damage. 4. Better Fuel Efficiency Your vehicle will function more efficiently if you look after the brakes. Worn brakes convert more energy to heat when you decelerate, and you have to burn more gas to regain speed afterward. You can regulate your speed more effectively with responsive brakes, and reduce wasted energy. This will save money on your fuel bills. 5. Peace of Mind When you book a service for your brakes, Ford technicians will check the brake pads, shoes, rotors, calipers, and braking fluid. If anything has become worn or damaged, it will be replaced with suitable parts and state-of-the-art service. This means that you can always relax and feel confident that your brakes are in optimal condition. As a responsible vehicle owner, it's vital to remain conscientious about getting your brakes serviced. However, it'll also make your whole driving experience more about fun and less about worry. For friendly customer service, up-to-date technology, and OEM parts, contact us at Ken Ganley Ford today.

Your Ford needs its battery to provide the electrical charge to start the engine. The battery will eventually wear out or get damaged, and you'll need a new car battery. As your Ford dealer, we can easily fit a replacement for you. These are some of the signs that your battery could be failing. Signs You Need a New Car Battery From Your Ford Dealer Difficulty Starting When you start your car, the battery sends an electrical charge to the solenoid in the starter. This powers the starter, which then proceeds to crank your engine. Once the crank starts, your engine should immediately spring to life. If instead, you hear your engine laboring as it cranks the engine repeatedly, you could have a battery problem. When a battery ages its maximum charging ability decreases, and it's more difficult to retain a charge. This combination of events means that your battery may not be able to provide a strong enough charge for the solenoid. Your battery will need to build up enough strength to provide the extra power the starter needs. more Your Battery Is Three Years Old An average battery will last between three and five years. This lifespan is influenced by environmental factors, driving habits, and driving conditions. Your battery's life can be shortened by other components, like a worn-out alternator. If your battery is at least three years old, we advise bringing your car into our service department so we can test the battery. We'll hook your battery to our battery tester and subject it to various trials. These trials will measure its strength and possible longevity. After the test, our tester provides a full report on your battery. If your battery is weak, we can replace it immediately for you. Your Battery Is Corroded One of the most obvious signs of a failing battery is corrosion. Corrosion is caused by the breakdown of the chemicals in your battery. Sulfuric acid in the battery helps it to recharge and to retain electricity. As your battery ages, sulfuric acid breaks down and releases hydrogen gas. This gas will escape the confines of your battery case and change into hydrogen sulfide in your engine. Hydrogen sulfide is a foul-smelling corrosive gas that's drawn to the positive and negative terminals on your battery. It will react with the electricity in the terminals and change into an acidic salt. This salt will gradually eat through your battery. If you pop the hood and see white, gray, or green salt-like material around your battery, corrosion has started. A corroded battery will need a replacement right away. If you have a weak battery, don't delay, call us today at Ken Ganley Ford. Our technicians will fit a new one for you.

Engine problems are the last thing any driver wants or needs. As your Ford dealer in Barberton, OH, we're here to fix any engine problem for you. We've listed a few possible problems below and how we can solve them for you. 3 Engine Problems You Should Always Fix at Your Ford Dealer Starter Motor Failure The job of starting your car belongs to the starter motor. When you turn the key, your battery sends an electrical charge to the solenoid in the starter motor. This charge powers the starter, which then initiates the crank. Your engine should then crank once and start almost immediately The starter motor can fail, and if it does, your engine won't start. The solenoid will still receive power nothing else will happen. Jump starting your car won't work either, as a jump start supplies power to the starter just like your battery does. The starter could fail due to electrical problems, a blown starter solenoid, or a mechanical issue. Our technicians will examine the starter and repair the problem. more Damaged Radiator The radiator is essential for keeping your engine at a safe operating temperature. It's the terminus for heat generated by your engine. As your engine runs, it produces heat. Liquid coolant in your engine absorbs this heat and takes it to the radiator, where it's cooled. The radiator's cooling system relies on air movement through the radiator grille that allows the exchange of hot engine air for cooler outside air. A radiator operates for long periods under conditions of great heat and pressure. It routinely takes in the coolant that can be hotter than 300 F. Heat and pressure take their toll on the radiator as it ages. The radiator tubes and other fittings can also be damaged by road debris. If you're having a radiator problem, we can repair or replace it depending on the damage. Old Oil Oil is vital for your engine, as it lubricates all the moving parts. It also helps to reduce the engine temperature slightly and to protect engine components from friction damage. As time passes, the engine oil becomes sluggish. This is due to the dirt and other debris absorbed by the oil as it works. The additives inside the oil also break down and further weaken it. Older oil contains impurities that can block the oil filter and slow down the movement of the oil. Engine seals and gaskets could also become worn if your engine oil hasn't been chaged for a while. Worn seals can lead to oil leaks. Our technicians will change your oil and check and replace any worn or damaged seals. If you're experiencing any issues with your engine, call us right away at Ken Ganley Ford.

If your car's AC isn't working, you need to take it to your local dealer for repair. Car AC systems are complicated, and it's best to leave the diagnosis and repair to the experts. Waiting too long could further damage the system and increase repair costs. The team at your Ford dealer will work quickly and efficiently to get your car back up and running in no time. Car AC Not Working? Visit Your Ford Dealer Today 1. The AC Doesn't Blow Cold Air A failure of your AC to blow cold air is the first sign that something is wrong with the system. In most cases, it's due to a failed compressor. The compressor is responsible for regulating the refrigerant flow in the system, and if it fails, the AC won't be able to do its job. Other potential causes include low refrigerant levels or a refrigerant leak. If you're unsure what the problem is, the best action is to take your car to the dealer for an expert diagnosis. 2. Loud Noise When the AC's Compressor Is Running It's normal to hear some moderate noise of cold air blowing when you turn on your AC. However, if you hear a rattling, squeaking, or banging noise, it could be a sign that your AC is failing. These noises are caused by the compressor's internal bearings seizing up or a component in the compressor breaking. If you notice any of these signs, you should take your car to the dealer and have them check it out. more 3. Moisture Leaks in the Compressor Moisture leaking from your AC compressor is a sure sign that your AC is not working correctly. This is because the compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the AC system. When the compressor fails, the refrigerant can leak out, causing the AC to malfunction. In addition, this can be a health hazard if the refrigerant leaks into the environment. If you notice any moisture leaks from your AC compressor, take it to a dealer as soon as possible to have it repaired. 4. A Strong Odour When You Switch On the AC You should expect a blast of cold, fresh air when you switch on your AC. However, if you notice a strong odor coming from the vents, it's a sign that something is wrong with your AC. This could be due to the buildup of mold and other particles in the vents. If left untreated, this problem can cause severe damage to your AC unit and your respiratory health. When your car's AC stops working, getting it fixed as soon as possible is essential. That's why our team of trained technicians is here to help. We use only genuine OEM parts in our repairs, and we have the latest state-of-the-art equipment for repair. Contact us at Ken Ganley Ford today to schedule an appointment for your AC repair.

If your car's AC isn't working, you need to take it to your local dealer for repair. Car AC systems are complicated, and it's best to leave the diagnosis and repair to the experts. Waiting too long could further damage the system and increase repair costs. The team at your Ford dealer will work quickly and efficiently to get your car back up and running in no time. Car AC Not Working? Visit Your Ford Dealer Today 1. The AC Doesn't Blow Cold Air A failure of your AC to blow cold air is the first sign that something is wrong with the system. In most cases, it's due to a failed compressor. The compressor is responsible for regulating the refrigerant flow in the system, and if it fails, the AC won't be able to do its job. Other potential causes include low refrigerant levels or a refrigerant leak. If you're unsure what the problem is, the best action is to take your car to the dealer for an expert diagnosis. more 2. Loud Noise When the AC's Compressor Is Running It's normal to hear some moderate noise of cold air blowing when you turn on your AC. However, if you hear a rattling, squeaking, or banging noise, it could be a sign that your AC is failing. These noises are caused by the compressor's internal bearings seizing up or a component in the compressor breaking. If you notice any of these signs, you should take your car to the dealer and have them check it out. 3. Moisture Leaks in the Compressor Moisture leaking from your AC compressor is a sure sign that your AC is not working correctly. This is because the compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the AC system. When the compressor fails, the refrigerant can leak out, causing the AC to malfunction. In addition, this can be a health hazard if the refrigerant leaks into the environment. If you notice any moisture leaks from your AC compressor, take it to a dealer as soon as possible to have it repaired. 4. A Strong Odour When You Switch On the AC You should expect a blast of cold, fresh air when you switch on your AC. However, if you notice a strong odor coming from the vents, it's a sign that something is wrong with your AC. This could be due to the buildup of mold and other particles in the vents. If left untreated, this problem can cause severe damage to your AC unit and your respiratory health. When your car's AC stops working, getting it fixed as soon as possible is essential. That's why our team of trained technicians is here to help. We use only genuine OEM parts in our repairs, and we have the latest state-of-the-art equipment for repair. Contact us at Ken Ganley Ford today to schedule an appointment for your AC repair.

Your Ford radiator plays a vital role in cooling your car's engine. If the radiator is worn or damaged, your engine won't be able to cool effectively. This can cause your engine to overheat and suffer serious, even permanent damage. To prevent this damage needs to be repaired ASAP. As your Ford dealer, we can help when you need a radiator repair. These are a few signs that your radiator isn't working correctly. 3 Signs You Need a Radiator Repair at Your Ford Dealer Coolant Leak Coolant is essential for your engine, as it can absorb heat. The coolant is pumped through your engine at high speed, absorbing engine heat as it travels. When the coolant enters the radiator, it's cooled by air movement over the radiator tubes. The coolant is recirculated to continue the cooling cycle. Without coolant, your engine has no way to remove heat. Leaking coolant is usually easy to spot as it's brightly colored. Green, blue, yellow, and pink are typical coolant colors. If you see patches of this liquid underneath your car, you have a coolant leak. Our technicians will trace the source of the leak and repair it. Once this is done, we'll refill your engine with fresh coolant. more Damaged Thermostat Coolant flows through your car in response to an increase in engine temperature. When your engine temperature rises over 185 F, coolant will be pumped through the system to reduce the heat. Once your engine temperature drops below 185 F, coolant will stop flowing. The release and withdrawal of coolant are controlled by a component called the thermostat. The thermostat is a small valve that monitors your engine temperature, and it opens when the temperature rises. The valve is simple, but it can fail in time. If this valve fails, it will jam open or closed. The broken valve can lead to your engine overheating due to lack of coolant, or using more fuel due to too much coolant. Our technicians can quickly and easily replace the thermostat. Damaged Hoses Two rubber hoses connect your radiator to the rest of the cooling system. The hoses are made of reinforced rubber that's designed to survive the hot conditions of your engine. These hoses routinely carry coolant at 280 F or higher, so they must be heat-resistant. Rubber hoses allow the flexibility for the hot liquid to reach the radiator. Over time, however, the rubber hoses will become less flexible. Cracks can form on their outside surface, and these cracks can widen into holes. Coolant moves at high speed, and a hole in a hose can lead to hot coolant spraying into your engine compartment. If you have a radiator problem, call us right away at Ken Ganley Ford.

One of the most important aspects of vehicle maintenance is making sure the transmission is in good shape. Luckily, there are several signs that can indicate when it's time for a transmission repair. If you're experiencing any of these issues, be sure to visit your Ford dealer so they can take a look and diagnose the problem. Does Your Ford Need a Transmission Repair? 1. The Car Is Shaking or Vibrating When You Drive It There are a few things that can cause your car to shake or vibrate while you're driving. In some cases, it may be something as simple as a loose tire. Other times, it could be an issue with your brakes or suspension. However, if your car is shaking or vibrating and there doesn't seem to be any obvious cause, it's probably time to have your car's transmission system checked. 2. The Gear Shift Is Hard To Move or Feels Like It's Stuck When the transmission is not functioning properly, the gears can grind against each other or fail to engage properly. This can make it very difficult to shift into the correct gear, and if the problem is not fixed, it can eventually lead to a complete transmission failure. 3. The Car Doesn't Seem To Be Accelerating As Quickly as It Used To A car's transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, and it plays a critical role in the overall performance of the vehicle. If the transmission is not operating correctly, it can cause a reduced acceleration. In addition, a faulty transmission can also cause the engine to overheat, as well as reduce fuel efficiency. Your Ford dealer will be able to perform the necessary repairs to get your transmission back up and running smoothly. In many cases, a simple repair will be all that is needed to restore your car's acceleration. However, if the damage is more severe, you may need to have the transmission replaced. 4. There's Fluid Leaking From Under the Car The transmission fluid is what allows your car to shift gears smoothly, and it also helps to cool and lubricate the transmission. The type of fluid that is leaking can give a clue as to what is wrong with the transmission. For example, if the fluid is red or pink, it could be an indication of a leak in the hydraulic system. If the fluid is brown or black, it could be a sign of leaks in the seals or gaskets. A vehicle's transmission is a complex system that can be easily damaged if not properly maintained. If you suspect that your Ford needs a repair, it's crucial to take action quickly to avoid costly repairs down the road. Contact us today at Ken Ganley Ford to schedule an appointment. We'll diagnose the problem and let you know what options are available.

Need more cargo space for shopping trips to IKEA or Home Depot? Need a vehicle that can hold all your equipment with room to spare for long outings? Need something for your new business that will help you provide that personable touch to your customers? Need a larger exterior with lots of room to advertise your brand? Whatever the question, the 2022 Ford Transit Connect is the answer you've been looking for. Basics About the Transit Connect Van Why Go With the Transit Connect? With all the benefits of a van, the Transit Connect still manages superior maneuverability and handling. The interior is the definition of modern luxury. All driver controls, instruments, and screens are ergonomically placed and comfortably within reach. The first row has an overhead storage shelf that runs the full width of the cabin. For maximum space, there is a width of 48.7 inches between the wheel wells. Drivers love the powerful 2.0L GDI-4 engine with the eight-speed transmission. The Hill Start Assist and Side-Wind Stabilization modules will make any driver confident no matter their experience level. Thanks to the Roll Stability Control AdvanceTrac system, you can be sure you'll have maximum traction on any terrain. more New/Unique Features of the 2022 Ford Transit Connect Ford Co-Pilot 360 Pre-Collision Assist With Automatic Emergency Braking This program employs sensors on your van that can foresee potential accidents. Identifiable collision objects include other cars and pedestrians. If it senses a possible oncoming collision it will alert you visually and audibly. The brakes will also precharge to increase sensitivity and responsiveness to driver input. If you don't brake in time, the system can automatically apply the brakes for you. Lane-Keeping System The sensor for this system can be found mounted on the front windshield. It can scan for and detect the painted lines to determine where your van is positioned in the lane. If it sees unintentional drifting, the steering wheel will vibrate and imitate a rumble strip to alert you. Blis With Cross-Traffic Alert "Blis" stands for Blind Spot Information System. This available program uses radar technology and keeps an eye on your blind spots. It will alert you when the radar detects a vehicle by lighting the indicator on the corresponding exterior mirror. The Cross-Traffic Alert also uses radar and is ideal for reversing. It watches the backend of your van. It will audibly and visually alert you if it sees a potential collision object. Rear-View Camera This is helpful for tricky parking situations and maneuvering while in reverse. With the on-screen alignment guides, you can back up with confidence and take control with ease. These help you determine ahead of time which direction your van is headed. Ford has outdone itself this year with a van that can do it all. With the extra space for your business or your next outing, the comfortable interior, and the plethora of helpful technologies, the 2022 Transit Connect will help you to victory. Visit our website and learn more about us here at Ken Ganley Ford today to get started with your new Transit Connect!

The alternator is one of your car's most important components. Modern cars have a huge variety of devices and accessories that require electricity, and the alternator generated this electricity. An alternator is tough and designed to last, but it can still suffer wear. It can even be damaged by the actions of other failing components. As your Ford dealer, we'd like you to know some of the signs that you're going to need an alternator repair. 3 Signs You Need an Alternator Repair at Your Ford Dealer A Damaged Battery One of the tasks of your alternator is to ensure that your battery is always fully charged. Once your car engine is running, your alternator begins recharging your battery. A healthy battery and alternator will work together perfectly to keep your Ford running just like it should. If the battery starts to fail, however, your alternator can get damaged, too. As a battery wears out, it becomes more difficult to charge, and its maximum charging capacity will also decline. Your alternator will try and charge the battery, and it should receive a confirmation that the charge was received and stored in the battery. A worn battery won't supply this confirmation, and your alternator will work harder to try and recharge the battery. Your alternator will take extra strain, and it can also start to fail. more Damaged Wiring The power produced by the alternator has to reach the components that need it. Wires and cables snake through your engine to carry this power to each component. The wires are designed to work in the hot, unforgiving conditions of your engine. Unfortunately, like wiring anywhere, it can get damaged. Broken or damaged wiring will cause problems for your electrical system. The obvious sign of a broken wire is the failure of the component that it's connected. In an attempt to restore power to the component, the alternator will supply even more power to overcome the problem. Damaged wiring doesn't transmit electricity, but as more power flows through it, the wiring will heat up. The hot wiring can start to burn, and you'll smell a burning plastic smell coming from the engine. Dim Then Bright Lights When the alternator starts to wear out, it will slow down and produce less power. This problem isn't immediately noticeable, as your alternator produces more power than is required. When the alternator can't produce enough power, your car's computer will have to decide on how the limited power needs to be divided. Your computer will usually supply just enough power for the component to work. When you switch on your headlights, the light will seem very dim. After a few minutes, the lights will suddenly become brighter than they should be. The reason for this is that additional power has become available from a component that has been switched off. The extra power is shifted to the lights, and this extra juice will make the lights far brighter. An alternator always shows some signs that it's failing. If you suspect you have an alternator problem, call us at Ken Ganley Ford.