Can someone tell me what this part is called?

[50]

Hello,

I started my car today and noticed a noise that sounded like metal scratching on metal. I opened the hood and noticed the noise was coming from this part. I think it is the starter. The check engine light also came on. Could this part be the reason my engine light came on? THanks

 

[MovingTarget]

That looks like your alternator, if it is the thing on top... Your starter would be visible on the underside of the engine, near the flywheel. An alternator is no biggie to fix, even for a shadetree mechanic. The hardest part will be loosening the serpentine belt. You may want to head down to autozone or wherever. They can test it for free and let you know if you should go ahead and do so if you are weary of making repairs...

Also for future reference in OT, this is the size of BULK BEEF.

 

[iamwiz82]

That is the alternator. I have never seen a failed alternator cause a Check Engine, however. Usually it'll cause the battery light to go on.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: MovingTarget
That looks like your alternator, if it is the thing on top... Your starter would be visible on the underside of the engine, near the flywheel. An alternator is no biggie to fix, even for a shadetree mechanic. The hardest part will be loosening the serpentine belt. You may want to head down to autozone or wherever. They can test it for free and let you know if you should go ahead and do so if you are weary of making repairs...

Also for future reference in OT, this is the size of BULK BEEF.

Yes, an alternator is one of the easiest to change as long as its easily accessible. I've seen newer cars that are so cramped under the hood that it's a bit hard, but the OP is lucky because it's right on the top.

 

[amdhunter]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
That is the alternator. I have never seen a failed alternator cause a Check Engine, however. Usually it'll cause the battery light to go on.

Actually, when my alternator died on my old Galant the CEL came on. Mechanic said it was due to some sensors losing power as I was idling. When I changed the alt, all was fine for the rest of the time I had the car.

 

[Ronstang]

Originally posted by: amdhunter

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
That is the alternator. I have never seen a failed alternator cause a Check Engine, however. Usually it'll cause the battery light to go on.

Actually, when my alternator died on my old Galant the CEL came on. Mechanic said it was due to some sensors losing power as I was idling. When I changed the alt, all was fine for the rest of the time I had the car.

Actually a failing alternator usually throws a code, and thus the check engine light, because of a voltage drop. The computers in cars all work off what is called "reference voltage" or Vref and it needs to be within a very narrow range for proper computer operation. This is how they interpret the signals from sensors which usually have changing resistance. If the Vref drops out of spec then signals from sensors can easily become out of spec for no other reason than improper voltage to the computer.