Can A Alternator Go Bad From Sitting

Can an Alternator Go Bad From Sitting? A Deep Dive into Battery and Charging System Degradation

So, your car's been sitting idle for a while – a month, six months, maybe even longer. Now you're getting ready to hit the road, and a nagging question pops up: could my alternator have gone bad just from sitting? The short answer is: yes, it's possible, although it's not the most common cause of starting problems after prolonged inactivity. This article will delve into the reasons why an alternator might fail from sitting, and what other factors contribute to car battery and charging system issues after periods of disuse.

Understanding the Alternator's Role:

The alternator is a crucial component of your vehicle's electrical system. Its primary function is to recharge the battery while the engine is running. Without a functioning alternator, your battery will slowly drain, eventually leaving you stranded. While it seems counterintuitive, a lack of use can, in fact, contribute to alternator failure.

How Sitting Can Affect Your Alternator:

While an alternator doesn't have moving parts that wear out from sheer age like, say, a tire, prolonged periods of inactivity can still lead to problems:

• Corrosion: Moisture and humidity can cause corrosion on the alternator's terminals and internal components. This corrosion acts as an insulator, hindering the flow of electricity and potentially causing the alternator to fail. This is exacerbated by the fact that an unused alternator isn't generating heat, which can help to prevent moisture build-up.

• Bearing Seizing: Although less common, extended periods of disuse can allow the alternator's bearings to seize. This is because a lack of lubrication due to non-operation can lead to friction and eventual seizing of the internal parts. While bearings usually last a long time, they are not immune to this effect.

• Internal Component Degradation: Some internal alternator components might degrade over time due to chemical reactions, regardless of whether the alternator is in use or not. This is a slower process but still contributes to the possibility of alternator failure.

• Parasitic Drains: Even when your car is off, small electrical draws (parasitic drains) can gradually deplete your battery. If the battery is completely drained, the alternator will have to work harder to recharge it, potentially leading to overheating and failure. Things like a malfunctioning radio or interior lights can contribute to this.

Other Culprits When Your Car Won't Start After Sitting:

It's important to note that alternator failure is only one potential reason your car might not start after sitting for an extended period. Other common causes include:

• Battery sulfation: This is the formation of lead sulfate crystals on the battery plates, which reduces the battery's ability to hold a charge. This is a much more common issue for batteries that have been sitting unused for a while.

• Battery discharge: Simple discharge due to parasitic drains is also a frequent culprit.

• Corrosion on battery terminals: Similar to the alternator, corrosion on the battery terminals can prevent proper electrical flow.

Diagnosing the Problem:

If your car won't start after sitting, it's best to have it checked by a qualified mechanic. They can perform tests to determine if the alternator is indeed the problem or if another issue, such as a bad battery or corroded terminals, is the cause. They can test the alternator's output and check for any signs of corrosion or damage.

Preventive Maintenance:

To minimize the chances of your alternator or battery failing after prolonged inactivity, consider these steps:

• Disconnect the battery: Disconnecting the negative terminal can prevent parasitic drains from depleting your battery.

• Regularly check battery and charging system: Before you store a car long-term, get your charging system and battery checked by a mechanic.

• Use a battery tender: A battery tender or trickle charger will keep your battery topped off, preventing sulfation and discharge.

In conclusion, while it’s less likely than other issues, an alternator can fail from sitting due to corrosion, bearing issues, or internal component degradation. However, battery sulfation and discharge are far more common causes of starting problems after a period of disuse. Regular maintenance and proper storage practices can significantly reduce the risk of problems with your car's electrical system.