* Loss of Power Steering: If the alternator fails, the power steering might stop working, requiring significantly more effort to steer. This added strain on the engine can increase its temperature, especially in stop-and-go traffic or during prolonged periods of heavy steering.
* Loss of Cooling Fan: The cooling fan is often electrically driven and powered by the alternator. A failing alternator might not provide enough power to run the cooling fan effectively, leading to inadequate engine cooling and eventual overheating. This is probably the most likely way a bad alternator could lead to overheating.
* Increased Engine Load from Electrical Drain: If the battery is constantly being drained due to alternator failure and it has to work harder, that extra electrical load might slightly increase the engine's work, contributing to higher temperatures, though this is generally a less significant effect than the cooling fan issue.
In short: A bad alternator doesn't directly cause overheating, but its failure can lead to the loss of critical components (like the cooling fan) that are necessary for proper engine cooling, resulting in overheating. If your car is overheating, check the alternator's output voltage. A low voltage indicates a problem.
