Prisma Power Loss: Signs of Failing Alternator

Had a similar issue with my 2017 Chevy Malibu, sounds exactly like what you're describing. I've got some experience working on cars, but electrical issues can be tricky. The symptoms match my alternator issue perfectly, dim lights, weak start, and dashboard warnings. My voltage output kept dropping until the car barely started one morning. Had the charging system tested and found a failing alternator wasn't providing enough juice to the battery. Got it fixed at a shop, total bill came to around 960 Euro for parts and labor. The generator/alternator was completely shot and needed full replacement. Car's been running great since then, no more electrical gremlins. Before we dig deeper though, what error codes are you getting? Also, have you had the battery tested? Sometimes a bad battery can show similar symptoms. Having the actual voltage readings would help pin down if it's definitely an alternator issue. Quick tip: If your voltage gauge shows under 13.5V while running, that's a pretty solid sign of alternator problems.

Thanks for sharing those details. Just had the diagnostic scan done and getting P0562 code for low system voltage. My voltage gauge shows 12.1V while running, which seems way too low based on what you mentioned. Had routine maintenance done at 8000 KM mark a month ago and everything was fine then. The starter motor still turns but sounds really weak now. Given the sudden electrical issues and engine misfire symptoms, I'm leaning towards a failing alternator as the root cause rather than just a battery problem. The car electronics started acting weird last week, power windows got sluggish first, then the radio started cutting out. Going to get the charging system properly tested tomorrow to confirm if I need that alternator replacement.

Definitely sounds like we're dealing with the same alternator issue. After getting my alternator replaced, I also had them check the entire charging circuit since electrical problems can cascade. That 12.1V reading while running is a dead giveaway, a healthy charging system should maintain around 14V when the engine's running. The progression of symptoms matches exactly what I experienced, first the minor car electronics acting up, then the starter motor getting weaker. In my case, the voltage drop got worse over about two weeks before I had it fixed. The battery would drain faster because the alternator wasn't charging it properly. Good call getting the charging system tested. When they replaced my alternator, they found some worn wiring connections too. Make sure they check the main battery cables while they're at it, corroded connections can cause similar symptoms and it's worth fixing everything at once. If the diagnosis confirms the alternator, you might want to get the battery tested too. Sometimes a failing alternator can damage the battery over time due to improper charging. My mechanic recommended replacing both to prevent any repeat issues.

Thanks everyone for the input. Just got back from the shop and wanted to close this thread with an update. You were all spot on, it was definitely the alternator causing my car electronics issues. The testing confirmed my alternator was only putting out 12.1V while running, nowhere near the 14V it should be. The car won't start reliably anymore, so I'm having the alternator replacement done tomorrow. They quoted me around 900 for parts and labor, pretty close to what others paid. They're also checking the battery and charging system wiring while they're in there since the engine misfire symptoms suggest the spark plugs weren't getting proper voltage either. Really appreciate all the help identifying these alternator issue symptoms. The progression from minor electrical glitches to complete charging system failure matched exactly what others described. Will post a follow-up once everything's fixed in case anyone else runs into similar problems with their charging system.