Alternator

Purpose When your car is running, the electrical power comes from the alternator. The alternator also keeps the battery charged. The battery only serves to start the car or act as a backup if your alternator fails. If the alternator fails, your car could keep going for a little while because the battery will kick in and take over until it loses its charge. The key phrase is “little while”, your car will not run very long without an alternator.

Symptoms As your alternator is failing, you may observe the following symptoms:

1. Your alternator or battery light is on

2. Dimmed headlights

3. Flickering lights and gauges

4. Electronic devices stop working, radio, heat, windows, etc.

5. Unusual smell from your alternator

6. Growling or squealing sound from your alternator

7. You continually need a jumpstart, even with a new battery

If you have experienced these symptoms your alternator may be failing. If this is the case, your battery could have enough energy reserves in it to keep the car going, but not for long, probably for about 5 – 30 miles. If you are driving your car, be prepared for your car to stop running, especially if you are running a lot of accessories. This process happens quickly, so pull over and get your road side assistance number ready. Get to a mechanic or a place where you can safely figure out what needs to be done to get your alternator back on track. TIP: Here are some other problems that you may mistake for a failed alternator:

1. A wiring issue between the battery and the alternator

2. The battery cable disconnected from the battery

3. Failed Drive Belt: Your drive belt “drives” your alternator, so if this breaks, your alternator will quit working. You will need to replace your drive belt, your alternator will probably still be working properly after the belt is replaced.

Care & Repair If you think you have an issue with your alternator, first make sure that you have a good battery. Most auto service providers will test your battery for free. Keep in mind that there are times when there is another problem with your car that is causing your alternator to fail, such as a drive belt. The only way to be 100% sure the problem is your actual alternator is to take your car to a mechanic. If you confirm that your alternator is bad, you will need to get it replaced, they are very rarely repaired.

TIP: It is best to have a bad alternator diagnosed and replaced by the same auto repair provider. That way you can hold the provider accountable for their recommendation.

Cost The cost of an alternator will vary depending on the type of car you have. The actual alternator cost itself could be anywhere from $100 – $500 dollars. The labor cost depends on where the alternator is located in your car, if it’s easily accessible to the mechanic, it will take less time and vice versa. This is, of course, a generalization. If you really want a good estimate, go to repairpal.com  This website will give you repair estimates specific to your car and the area in which you live.

TIP:  Make sure you don’t pay more than MSRP for any part. MSRP is the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price. You can usually find the MSRP through an internet search. If your dealership or mechanic is charging more, see if they will match it. If not, go somewhere else.