If you're having electrical problems with your car, than you may need a new alternator. While the price of a new alternator will depend on your car and the shop you choose, a new alternator will generally cost
between $500 and $1,000
—including labor charges.
Is it worth replacing an 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 are the symptoms of a bad 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.
Is it my battery or alternator?
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.
What causes the alternator to fail?
Most of the time, alternators fail as a result of
age or use
. However, some other factors can cause an alternator to fail prematurely. Fluid leaking on the car alternator can commonly lead to failure. Often, engine oil or power steering fluid can work its way into the alternator and cause it to malfunction or fail.
How long can a car run without alternator?
How Long Can You Drive With A Dead Alternator? Unless your vehicle alternator works properly, you can only go a distance of about
25 miles
before the battery is empty when it is fully charged. There is usually a maximum drive time of about 30 minutes per mile, for a total distance of 25 miles.
Can AutoZone replace an alternator?
Avoid all of this hassle by replacing your alternator and alternator parts with the help of AutoZone
.
How do I check my car alternator?
- Get a multimeter.
- Set your multimeter to DCV (DC Volts) above 15.
- Make sure your alternator's positive and negative terminals are clean.
- Put the multimeter's black cable to the negative terminal and the red cable to the positive terminal.
- Look for an ideal alternator reading of around 12.6.
Can you jump-start 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 AutoZone check my alternator?
Every AutoZone in the USA will check your alternator, starter, or battery at no charge
.
What happens if alternator fails while driving?
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.
Is it the starter or the alternator?
The alternator
converts mechanical energy into electrical energy allowing the car to charge the battery while you are driving. The starter works in a different way converting electrical energy of the auto into mechanical energy. Both the alternator and starter can wear out over time needing repair or replacement.
How long do alternators last?
How Long Does an Alternator Last? An alternator should last between
80,000 to 150,000 miles
, which usually means around 7-10 years. However, if your vehicle is driven hard around Venice or Bradenton, your alternator may need to be replaced sooner.
How do I test my alternator if the car wont start?
What kills an 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 an alternator ruin a battery?
If you take your vehicle to an auto parts store they may give you a new battery for a few hundred dollars, without running any tests. Don't make this mistake!
A faulty alternator could ruin a perfectly healthy battery
, which would put you further back from a solution than where you started.
Can a weak alternator cause poor engine performance?
When the alternator fails, the spark plugs that ignite the gasoline in your engine might not have enough power to keep the engine running. This
can cause the engine to stall for no apparent reason, or to have trouble starting
.
How much is a cheap alternator?
A replacement alternator can cost anywhere around
$20 to $300
depending on your vehicle's make and model. Expect to spend an additional $100 to $200 for labor and installation.
How can I temporarily fix my alternator?
How do I know if my alternator is charging my battery?
How do I fix my alternator not charging?
Check the large power cable to the alternator and the fuse
, usually, a large 40-60 amp fuse near the battery. Check the ground cable between the engine and the body. Check the serpentine belt and make sure the alternator is spinning with the engine. Check the small power supply wire and the charging light wire.
