A rough estimate for the cost of replacing an alternator is about $350, though there are usually many options available.

Remanufacturing thoroughness does vary, but most of the time there is a good chance that a remanufactured alternator will last as long as a new one. Diagnosis of wiring faults is usually done at an hourly rate, and it’s not usually possible to say in advance how long it might take to diagnose and repair a wiring issue.

The Family Handyman shows you how to compare the battery and alternator. According to our research, if the alternator is easier to reach and is located near the top of the engine, the costs can be much cheaper than an alternator located deep within the engine. See: “How much does a car battery cost?”. The free battery check suggested that I had a bad battery and needed a replacement. They are cheaper and are often backed by warranty as well; however, keep in mind the quality isn’t always there. amzn_assoc_rows="1"; Like any car repair, the make and model will greatly affect the price. It died completely out front.

Signs that an alternator might need to be replaced are: system voltage is low – particularly with a lot of accessories on, the battery warning light is on, or the battery is discharged. Most of the time an hour is sufficient. © 2020 Clark Howard Inc. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. The second step is to test the alternator output once the battery is charged. The average alternator will last about 100,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on how often the car is driven, the number of electronics being used in the car and the quality of the part. amzn_assoc_linkid="41cefbfa0c375d3317770f3ba0542848"; Factoring in labor can add another $100 to $275, bringing the total to about $250 to $800. A rough estimate for the cost of replacing an alternator is about $350, though there are usually many options available.

On average, car alternator prices are going to range anywhere from $65 to $520, not including labor.

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examples, assuming a $100 per hour labor rate: My car won’t start. If there are any indications that the belt should be replaced (if it’s showing cracks, if the rubber is old and hard, etc), then a good time to do it is when replacing the alternator. A rough estimate for the cost of replacing an alternator is about $350, though there are usually many options available.

$210 for a remanufactured Denso alternator, $275 for a remanufactured Mopar alternator. Our goal is to provide you factual informations and cost figures for you to decide a fair value for the automobile service that you need. Ideally, the remanufacturing process replaces all the parts in the alternator that are subject to wear.

Another less common problem is diodes failing, which are built into the alternator.

Parts costs can vary widely. Car alternators are the devices responsible for charging the battery and powering the electrical system while the engine runs; it’s often referred to as the hardest working part in the car. Meanwhile, you may want to check our article on 5 Easy DIY Auto Repairs You Can Do Today.

This warning light will look like a battery shape. Get answers to your money questions delivered to your inbox daily! Of course, all the normal things with an electrical diagnosis should be done during a test. Parts costs can vary widely. I was trapped. If this is the case, the mechanic may want to add a new battery just to play it safe. Most alternators are easily accessed, being typically on the side of the engine near the top. amzn_assoc_ad_mode="search"; Make sure that the car alternator you purchase is from a reliable source. If it turns out you do need a new battery, Auto Zone offers a wide variety of Duralast batteries: AutoZone also offers other free services beyond just free battery testing and charging: Maintaining your vehicle can be expensive. Fortunately, alternator failures are fairly easy to diagnose. They can also go out suddenly if the voltage regulator or internal circuits that feed the voltage regulator fail. A failing alternator can discharge the vehicle battery. He grabbed the AutoZone Starting & Charging Tester, which looks like a black box with jumper cables attached to it, and proceeded to hook it up to my battery: After a couple of adjustments because the cables weren’t connecting properly with my battery’s positive and negative terminals, the test began. Then you can comparison shop at your leisure and buy the best deal before it becomes an emergency. The car radio or other electrical components may work intermittently.

Perhaps the best explanation is that an alternator is harder to depict. A new alternator has to work harder to keep a marginal battery in shape, and this can place it under unwanted stress. An electrical burning smell may be coming from the battery area and/or the alternator warning light will turn on. I took my car in for the free battery check and I’m going to tell you what to expect — plus let you know about a few other free services AutoZone offers that I learned about along the way! If your battery is running a little low, swing by your local store for a charge! Factoring in labor can add another $100 to $275, bringing the total to about $250 to $800. On the common models, the prices are often pretty close for either type, but on others, there can be a significant price difference. Once the engine is running and the alternator is generating power, a diode feeds the current from the alternator main output that equalizes the voltage through the warning indicator that shuts off. If that isn’t done it’s still best that the battery should be fully charged before a new alternator is installed.

Isn’t it nice to not get the hard sell once in a while? If the job requires moving more than average parts, it could take much longer.

When this happens, alternator output and system voltage drop. amzn_assoc_ad_type="smart"; It is highly recommended you purchase a new or manufacturer rebuilt alternator. Is there an easy way to tell if it’s the battery or the alternator to blame? AutoZone is one of the nation’s leading automotive retailers, but they offer much more than just parts and accessories for your vehicle. Before you consider replacing the alternator, make sure the battery isn’t the problem. New OE alternators through a dealership range from $400 to $600 on average.

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I found my local AutoZone and pulled my vehicle into the parking lot on a Thursday early in the afternoon. As long as a good warranty is available, a remanufactured alternator can be a good choice. Next, the belt will be removed from the pulley, allowing access to the alternator, which will be bolted inside a bracket.

A squealing noise may come from the car’s engine.

Typically, this is about a quarter-hour labor charge; $15 to $25 in most places. Before the alternator is even replaced, the mechanic will want to check the condition of the charging system to make sure the alternator is the culprit. For example, the alternator prices at AutoZone retail for as little as $105 to more than $700.

If a battery is in marginal condition, recharging can place a lot of stress on it, and it might not be reliable. On average, car alternator prices are going to range anywhere from $65 to $520, not including labor. Like the make and model, the year can play a crucial role, too. amzn_assoc_tracking_id="gotalkmoney-20"; Under ordinary use and wear and tear, an alternator should last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. The prices of car alternators are different depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Alternators can gradually lose output capacity, and early signs of failure are sometimes that a vehicle with all loads on (lights, AC, blower, etc) will have a problem with dimming lights, or low voltage if there is a volts gauge on the instrument cluster. A typical aftermarket alternator, new or remanufactured, can vary from $150 to $300. We went ahead and talked with a few mechanics in the United States and were able to come up with the following ballpark estimates: amzn_assoc_placement="adunit0"; Many times, however, depending on the vehicle, there is an abundance of remanufactured alternators available, while new ones can be harder to a source. New OE alternators through a dealership range from $400 to $600 on average. In addition to free battery check, AutoZone offers complimentary battery charging that only takes 30 minutes and is done while you wait.

The free AutoZone battery test is just one of a variety of no-fee offerings available at the store’s more than 6,000 locations in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Brazil.. Being an electrical part, of course, sudden unexplained failure at any mileage is possible. They are designed to keep the voltage of the vehicle within a certain range under all loads, and testing the voltage and the voltage under load is a simple way to verify whether the alternator is working or not. My result? Most often, labor on an alternator replacement is billed at book time.

Car alternators have a voltage regulator that operates by modulating the small field current that produces a constant voltage to the stator output. These parts include a high amp alternator fuse block wiring cable kit, an alternator belt, alternator conversion kit if needed and alternator brackets.

The associate told me he’s seen “bad” batteries last for a long time with a full charge. The two roles of the alternator are to recharge the vehicle’s battery once it has started the engine, and then to meet all of the electrical demands during vehicle operation. amzn_assoc_default_category="All"; There has been regular controversy in the repair industry as to why the alternator warning light displays a picture of the battery rather than an alternator. If a vehicle starts slow or has a dead battery, it’s a normal thing to have a charging system check done which tests the battery and the alternator to see which one is the problem. The associate was just finishing with another customer, so I had a wait of less than five minutes before he was available to help me. OEM parts for luxury vehicles can be even more. It’s common, when in doubt, that a new battery would be recommended along with an alternator replacement. No, not easily.

For example, a Celica, Tundra, Corolla, Camry and other sedans can cost anywhere from $65 to $140 for just the part, while a Honda Civic, the CRV and Pilot can cost anywhere from $150 to $225 for the part. These parts can cost anywhere from $40 to $260. To know if your car alternator is bad, first test the headlights.

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During this process, the battery will be disconnected, along with the belts and wires connected to the alternator.

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They generate heat as they work and they are usually put in a position where they have good airflow. In order to replace the alternator, the serpentine belt must be removed.

Uh oh! While the car is running, simply turn on the headlights, and while the car is in park, slowly press the accelerator. Many times, the mechanic may find the battery has been drained due to a bad alternator. I recently wanted to get my battery checked after noticing a couple of slow starts when I turned the key in my ignition. Try to get it from the car manufacturer directly as this will ensure that the item is brand new and will last longer. It does this by converting some of the engine’s rotating force into electrical current, taken off through the accessory belt. According to a repair pal estimate it is more likely around $400 to $600. If the alternator isn’t producing current then it must be drawn off the battery, and the car will shut down once the battery is depleted. By taking advantage of free services like the Autozone battery test, you can save significant money because you’ll know when you need to change your battery.

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