How Long Does It Take To Replace An Alternator?

In general, it will take

about two hours

for you to replace an alternator on your own, though this could vary somewhat depending on your knowledge of car mechanics. If you take your car into a shop in order to have the alternator replaced, timing may vary somewhat, and you may have to leave the car for the day.

How long does it take to replace an alternator at a dealership?

This is a common question with an easy answer. The make and model of your vehicle will determine the exact time it takes to replace the alternator, but usually,

one to two hours

is sufficient.

How much does a mechanic charge to replace an alternator?

When your car starts having electrical problems, it's a sign you need an alternator replacement. Considering the price of a new alternator as well as labor, you should expect to spend anywhere

between $500 and $1,000

to get a new one for your vehicle.

Will Autozone change my alternator?

Auto Zone does not install alternators

. They only do wipers, batteries, and some bulbs. The stores do not have the tools required to properly do that sort of work, nor a proper place to do it.

Can a mechanic replace an alternator?

When an alternator is replaced, the technician will first inspect and test the alternator output, charging system, and drive belts. They will disconnect the battery, then remove and replace the alternator. Finally, they will reconnect the battery and test the output again to ensure everything is now running smoothly.

Do you have to replace battery when replacing alternator?

the battery needs

to be replaced only when it can not work anymore

. You should charge your battery while your replacing the alternator. Then after it's charged it should be load tested to see if it's good or not.

How hard is replacing an alternator?

It's

not horribly difficult

, but there's a lot more work involved than ever before and one might need some unexpected tools. Open the hood, find the alternator, and determine whether your tools can get onto all the fasteners they need to get onto, including those for the serpentine belt tensioner, if so equipped.

What kills a alternator?

Running in full charge mode continuously

can kill an alternator, so trying to have your new alternator try and charge your dead battery can result in immediate alternator failure.

Can you jumpstart a car with a bad alternator?

You actually can jumpstart a car with a bad alternator

, and the car will keep running for some time, no matter how bad the alternator is, well, considering you have a good battery. This is because if the alternator is bad and not producing the voltage required, the car will be running purely off the battery.

Can I drive with a bad alternator?

Technically yes

. If you have a bad alternator or you're just starting to experience car alternator problems, you can still drive it; however, it's best not to. If your alternator has stopped working entirely, you have minimal time before your car stalls and won't restart since you have a dead battery.

What is the price of alternator?

Is an alternator expensive?

How much does an alternator cost depends on the type of vehicle. In some models, they can run as low as $180 and for premium vehicles, they can run over $1,000. The

average cost is approximately $500

.

What are the signs of a bad alternator?

• Car Won't Start. A dead battery almost always lies behind a car that won't start. …
• Engine Stalling. A dead alternator almost always leads to a car that won't start. …
• Electrical Issues. A dying alternator can lead to a wide range of other electrical issues. …
• Unusual Sounds.

How do you tell if its your alternator or your battery?

If the engine starts but dies immediately, your alternator probably isn't keeping your battery charged. If a jump starts and keeps your car running, but the car can't start again off of its own power, a

dead battery

is likely your answer.

How long does it take for a new alternator to charge?

How long does it take for a new alternator to charge? The time it takes to charge the battery depends on the alternator's size, the battery's age, the temperature outside, and the electrical load on the car's electrical system. A new alternator should typically charge after

about 3 hours

.

What are the signs you need a new alternator?

• Dim or Overly Bright Lights. …
• Dead Battery. …
• Slow or Malfunctioning Accessories. …
• Trouble Starting or Frequent Stalling. …
• Growling or Whining Noises. …
• Smell of Burning Rubber or Wires. …
• Battery Warning Light on Dash.

How long does a car alternator usually last?

The average longevity of an alternator is

seven years

or about 150,000 miles. Several factors can impact the lifespan of your alternator, including the quality of the part, the overall condition of the vehicle, and how many electronics are being used.

How often should an alternator be replaced?

In general, you can expect alternators to last

about 6-10 years

, or about 80,000-150,000 miles.

When replacing an alternator What else should I replace?

When replacing and alternator, other upgrades are worth doing too. Go ahead and change the

serpentine belt, tensioner and idler roller

when replacing an alternator on your car or truck.

Will AutoZone test an alternator?

Every AutoZone in the USA will check your alternator, starter, or

battery at no charge

.

Do alternators go out suddenly?

When your alternator begins to fail it can cause a variety of different electrical problems in your car, and eventually cause a breakdown.

Alternators can go bad suddenly

, or slowly over time.

Can someone sabotage your alternator?

The answer

is no if you

are talking about the alternator in the car. It is not controlled by the engine computer.

Will a bad alternator drain a battery?

A corroded or defective alternator diode

will faultily continue charging the circuit

even when the car off. This, in turn, will drain your car battery and cause the car not to start.

What does a dead alternator sound like?

If you hear a

small rattling or grinding sound

when your engine is running, this could be caused by a loose bearing in your alternator. Conversely, if you hear a constant high whine while you are driving, this is usually a sign that your alternator is failing to distribute the necessary power throughout your vehicle.

How long does it take for a bad alternator to drain a battery?

In this situation, the battery could last as little as 30 minutes. If you are lucky and

could get up to two hours

. Note: In case you have to start the car without an alternator, don't turn off the engine once you're going. Starting the car flattens the battery down quickly.

Is it worth it to replace alternator?

It's usually a better idea to replace the alternator entirely if it is malfunctioning

. While new ones can be spendy, they are usually a better choice than remanufactured or rebuilt options. Those probably won't last as long as a new one since the mechanical parts have miles on them already.

What happens when my alternator goes out?

A bad alternator will result in a

discharged (dead) battery

and cause a vehicle to not start or run. Alternators are designed to maintain a battery's charge, not to recharge a dead battery. Your alternator's job is to maintain a consistent charge on your battery. Draining your car's battery is not advised.

How long will bad alternator last?

The battery's job is to start the car, and the alternator keeps it running.” Gunning says an alternator typically lasts

about seven years

— or about 100,000 to 150,000 miles, says Waits.

Can you start a car without a alternator?

Originally Answered: Can you jumpstart a car with a bad alternator? Well,

yes

, you sure can. However, the car won't run for long without a working alternator. The battery, even if fully charged, won't keep the engine running by itself for more than a couple miles.