How Much Does It Cost To Replace An Alternator?
You will need a car light to charge the battery. During the engine, the alternator creates tension to load the battery. If the alternator fails, the car battery dies and leaves without any way to start the engine. The only option is to repair it.
Therefore, it is important to know the average replacement cost of the generator. This guide will estimate the cost of repairing your alternator. We’ll also show you what affects this price and how to fix your alternator at home. At the end of our article, you will learn what will lead to a lighter failing and receiving the answer to your number one question.
How much does it cost to replace it? On average, you can output between 450-800 USD for replacements. The cost of an alternator can be between 300 and 650 USD, but the work can add 150-225 USD. If you need to replace other parts at the same time, for example B. Serpentine belt, you can use more.
If you can replace your alternator yourself, save money on labor costs. Replacing a generator is a fairly simple solution that can be performed with basic tools. These steps will be explained later in the article.
Factors that affect the cost of replacing the generator
To get a more accurate estimate, several factors need to be considered. We’ll look at how the vehicle was manufactured and modeled, OEM vs. aftermarket parts, additional parts required, and how labor costs will affect the estimate.
1. Vehicle toilet/model
Each car uses a specific alternator. You are not universal. The alternator creates a certain amount of electricity in the car vigorously. Some people have more copper retail than others who increase their prices.
Additionally, the alternator installation style affects the price. There is also an electrical connection. If you have an older car, you may need a one-wire generator that costs less than a new three-wire light machine.
2. OEM vs. Aftermarket parts
You can get the Omem generator (original equipment manufacturer), but you can spend more. These parts are designed by the automaker and are the same as those that the vehicle had when it came from the factory. Aftermarket companies offer a wide range of options that cost much less. However, not all aftermarket brands are the same. If you want to save money in the aftermarket part, first investigate integrity and durability.
3. Additional parts are required
A new serpentine belt may also be needed at the same time. To replace the alternator, you often need to remove the meander strap at the same time. If this maintenance service, which normally occurs every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, is roughly time, it can be done at the same time.
The new serpentine belt costs between 75-200 USD. If you can’t replace it yourself, you can spend another $65-250 USD, depending on how difficult it is to replace it.
In addition to the meandering belt, you also need to look at the tensioner. If the tensioner is too narrow or relaxed, there’s no point in wearing a new belt. You will also need to check the orientation with the strap. Otherwise you’ll end up with slips and uneven belt names. Plus, it’s a good time to look at the connections and determine if they’re loose or damaged.
4. Personnel costs
The working rate of mechanics varies with apartments. For 2023, the average hourly machinery work rate was found to be between 45-170 USD.
Again, there are many factors that affect these costs. It also depends on the type of vehicle and the level of qualification of the mechanic.
How to replace the alternator
If you want to replace your alternator yourself, there are steps for you. Before you begin, please refer to your car’s service manual to ensure there are no conflicts.
1. Separate the battery
Isolate the battery before you begin. The only way to avoid shorter things while working. Remove the negative battery cable with the ignition. You can also clean the corrosion of your car at the same time to ensure proper connection. If the battery is dead, you can remove it and connect it to the charger during this time.
2. Find the alternator
The alternator acts as a generator for the car battery. If you need to access the alternator under the vehicle, you may need to create it along the way. Place the vehicle on the jack stand and secure it.
3. Remove the alternator
Before you remove the alternator, you must first remove the serpentine strap. When it’s time to set up something new, get ready now. Remove the cable and build an alternator from the engine. Pay close attention to the brain of the assembly and keep the alternator in place. Carefully undress the electrical connection. An alternator allows you to match the new one. Look at each other and make sure there is a proper exchange.
4. Install the New Alternator
Align the mounting bolts on the new alternator and tighten them all carefully. Before completely tightening them, you may need to reconnect the electrical components. You also need to put the serpentine belt back on. You can find the belt routing diagram under the hood or in your service manual.
5. Test The Alternator
With everything put back together and the car battery reconnected, you are ready to test the alternator. If you don’t want to do it yourself, many auto parts stores offer free alternator testing.
Measure the battery voltage with a multimeter. It should read around 12.6 volts. Start the engine and read the measurements again. If the alternator is working correctly, the measurement should now be 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
What Causes an Alternator to Fail?
The car alternator can die for numerous reasons. Here are a few of the most common:
1) Age: Alternators can last 100,000 miles or longer, depending on how they are taken care of. A dead alternator may simply be due to old age and the parts wearing out.
2) Excessive Use: If the alternator fails prematurely, it’s from excessive use. If you idle the car engine for long periods in hot weather, the alternator doesn’t get a break.
3) Leaking Fluid: When engine oil or power steering fluid leaks onto the alternator, it can cause it to short or fail.
4) Environmental Elements: Water and road salt can get into the alternator and lead to a malfunction.
Are alternators covered under warranty?
Your factory warranty should cover the alternator since it’s not a maintenance item. You may also get protection with an extended car warranty. If you purchase an alternator and it fails, you may be able to get warranty coverage. Some aftermarket alternators include a limited lifetime warranty.
Is it worth fixing the alternator?
Alternators can be rebuilt, but that’s normally not the best option. Considering the price difference, it’s usually best to put a new alternator in. Research the best brands and look for a company that offers a warranty for more protection.
What are the signs of a bad alternator?
The most common sign of a bad alternator is a dead car battery since the alternator can’t charge it. You may also get a battery warning light on the dashboard or notice dimming lights and electronics. A dying alternator also causes a burning smell occasionally, strange noises, such as a whining and trouble starting the car.
Can I drive with a bad alternator?
You shouldn’t drive with a bad alternator. Once the car battery depletes its charge, the vehicle will stop running. You can’t run a car without a functioning alternator for long. Because you could end up stranded in an inconvenient location, it’s best to replace the alternator at the first sign of trouble.
We’ve seen our share of dead alternators from our years of professional experience. In fact, it’s one of the more common mechanical failures. Many people will confuse a dying alternator with a dead battery and replace it without realizing what’s going on.
Thankfully, it’s not normally difficult to replace the alternator. Once a new alternator is in place, you can expect many more miles without charging issues. When paired with a new car battery and a new serpentine belt, you can rest assured knowing that your car should start every time until you leave the headlights on overnight.
