There are essentially three ways to make an alternator repair (either by the mechanic or yourself):
- Replacing the old alternator with a brand new one
- Replacing the old alternator with a used or refurbished one
- Refurbishing (repairing) your old alternator
Full Answer
How do you replace an alternator?
- You can tell if your vehicle uses an auto-tensioner by looking at the alternator mounting bracket: if the bolts can slide from side to side in the bracket, it does ...
- You will need to slide the belt off the alternator pulley before you release the auto-tensioner.
- In some cars, you might need a friend to relieve the tension while you remove the belt.
How to diagnose a failing alternator?
How To Diagnose A Failing Alternator. If you have a “Check Engine” light, connect a code reader to the diagnostic port. If you find code P0562, you very likely have a failing alternator (note that codes may vary by vehicle make/model/year). Get it checked out, before it fails entirely.
How to fix a dying alternator for free?
- Check the battery. If you have a multimeter, you can check the voltage – but this only tells you so much. ...
- Check the alternator. Yes, you think it’s okay, but did you check it the right way? ...
- Check for a parasitic draw. ...
- Make sure your alternator’s wiring is right to go. ...
How do you troubleshoot alternator?
Troubleshooting Alternator And Charging System Problems
- Start the car’s engine and keep it idle for some time. ...
- The next thing that you can do is to apply system load by turning on the high beams, AC, wipers along with the other accessories of the car. ...
- Make use of your voltmeter test leads and touch both the positive battery post and the B+ terminal connector.
How can I make my alternator work again?
2:554:34How to Fix a Dying Alternator for Free - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you don't have to hit it hard you don't have to beat the living crap out of it. But. If you doMoreBut you don't have to hit it hard you don't have to beat the living crap out of it. But. If you do it. Right. You'll get your alternator to start working again.
Can you repair a car alternator?
Rebuilding an alternator is a fairly simple procedure, which anyone with basic automotive knowledge can accomplish. Although the construction of some brands will vary slightly, the basic anatomy of an alternator consists of the same components.
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.
Is it expensive to fix an alternator?
Some car repairs are minor, costing under $50 while major repairs can be thousands of dollars. An alternator is on the lower end of the scale and, depending on several factors, will cost somewhere between $100 and $1,000.
What causes an alternator to fail?
Alternators have a number of moving parts, so as they get dirty and are subjected to extreme temperatures, those internal components can wear out, causing the alternator to go bad. One of the most common problems you're likely to experience with an alternator is a failure in the bearings.
Can cleaning an alternator make it work again?
The process involved is pretty easy, and you do not need any sophisticated tool for cleaning the alternator. With water and a degreaser (water-soluble), you can make your vehicle's alternator look as new, getting rid of all contaminants.
Which fuse is for alternator?
But when someone mentions the “alternator fuse”, they're generally referring to the primary, high-amperage fuse (or fusible link) between the alternator and the battery. Like any fuse, the primary alternator fuse acts as a circuit protection device.
How do you diagnose an alternator problem?
7 Signs of a Failing AlternatorDim 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.
What can damage an alternator?
Driving a vehicle through water that is deep enough to splash or flood the alternator can damage the alternator shaft bearings and possibly the brushes and electronics inside the unit as well. Water can also cause corrosion that over time will damage the wiring and bearings inside the alternator.
How much is a new alternator?
Typically, it costs between $400-$600 to replace a faulty alternator with parts and labour. However, this price usually reflects a remanufactured alternator. New alternators can run you approximately $500 to $1000, again, depending on the type of vehicle you have.
Can I replace an alternator myself?
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.
Do I need a new battery after replacing alternator?
Should the battery be replaced whenever an alternator is replaced? It's not necessary, however it's not uncommon for an old battery to fail when an alternator stops working. This happens because when the battery is completely drained, it deteriorates sooner.
Is it easy to fix an alternator?
Replacing an alternator can cost you several hundred bucks at the local repair shop, but it's one of the simplest repairs you can do at home. With a few tools and about an hour you can swap it out yourself -- and keep your dough in your pocket where it belongs.
How do I know if my alternator is bad?
7 Signs of a Failing AlternatorDim 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 rebuilt alternator last?
When people have their car alternator replaced, the expectation is that the repair will last at least as long as the expected life of the new alternator, four to five years or anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
Do alternators fail 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.
How many bolts to remove alternator cover?
Now you have removed the alternator, remove the plastic cover on the rear of the alternator, typically there are two bolts to be removed to remove the cover.
What does a +14.3V battery mean?
Start the car and check voltage, hopefully if you have replaced the brushes and voltage regulator according to manufacturer instructions you will see a reading of +14.3v or thereabouts (14.2 to 14.5ish), this means the battery is being charged and the alternator is now working as designed.
Can you disconnect +ve wire from car battery?
Disconnect the +ve from the battery for safety, I actually did not do this and bumped a +ve wire connected on the Alternator which created some brief fireworks, so my advice is to disconnect the +ve on the car battery first.
Why remove air cleaner from alternator?
Remove the air cleaner for easier to access the alternator.
Where is the rectifier located on an alternator?
In some alternators, the rectifier will be found pressed into the rear half of the alternator's frame.
How to replace a rectifier?
Replace the rectifier by prying out the soldered leads and then undo the mounting screws.
Where is the heat shield on an alternator?
Inspect the heat shield at the back of the alternator to verify that it is properly installed.
What to do if your bearing is not snug?
Inspect the bearing. If it does not seem snug, or makes noise when it spins, it will have to be replaced.
How to tighten an alternator?
Carefully align the working alternator mounting holes and loosely install the mounting bolts and nuts. Ensure all the bolt and/or nut threads are started and tighten them evenly. On some vehicles, the electrical connections will need to be installed first before permanently tightening the alternator for access reasons.
What to do if your alternator battery dies?
If your battery dies, you should test the battery (free at AutoZone). If the battery is good, then there is likely something wrong with the alternator. Dim Lights: If you notice your headlights or other lights dimming or flickering, this can indicate that they aren’t getting enough current.
How to check if alternator is charging?
Now, it's important to test the alternator's output. This can be done for free at AutoZone, and can also be done at home with a multimeter. You can learn more on how to properly test here. Place the multimeter probes on the battery terminals. With the car running, you should be seeing somewhere between 13.25 to 15 volts with a fully charged battery. If you are not, and you are only seeing battery standing voltage (around 12.2-12.5) then your alternator is still not properly charging.
How to tell if alternator is bad?
How to Tell If an Alternator is Bad 1 Dead Battery: Your car battery will die without a working alternator to keep it charged. If your battery dies, you should test the battery (free at AutoZone). If the battery is good, then there is likely something wrong with the alternator. 2 Dim Lights: If you notice your headlights or other lights dimming or flickering, this can indicate that they aren’t getting enough current. Generally, the dimness will worsen as the alternator wears. 3 Warning Light: Most cars are equipped with what is otherwise known as the battery light. This light often has a misconception that it means the battery is bad. What it actually means is that the alternator is not properly charging the battery. 4 Sluggish Accessories: Another possible sign is if electrical accessories or features like power windows move more slowly than they typically do.
Why does my car battery die?
Because the alternator supplies current to the vehicle’s electrical systems, this is where you’ll notice most that something is amiss. Dead Battery: Your car battery will die without a working alternator to keep it charged. If your battery dies, you should test the battery (free at AutoZone). If the battery is good, then there is likely something ...
Why are alternators different?
NOTE: Some alternators will appear different due to consolidation by the manufacture. Check the installation paperwork that came with the replacement alternator first before assuming you have the incorrect unit.
How to prevent acid build up on battery posts?
Positive first, the negative (ground) last. Apply a film of battery post grease to the top and sides of battery cable ends and battery posts. This will help prevent acid build up and corrosion in the future.
How to repair an alternator?
There are essentially three ways to make an alternator repair (either by the mechanic or yourself): Replacing the old alternator with a brand new one. Replacing the old alternator with a used or refurbished one. Refurbishing (repairing) your old alternator. More on this topic and how to make a proper choice lower in the article.
Where is the alternator located on a car?
Here the biggest problem could be accessibility to the alternator itself. On most cars the alternator is located in the upper part of the engine, in a visible and easy-to-reach part of the engine bay.
Why does my serpentine belt make a screeching sound?
If the serpentine belt is extremely worn out, it will slip over the pulley thus causing the screeching sound.
Why does my alternator go haywire?
But from what I’ve seen, most anomalies usually happen when the voltage is too high. The alternator simply overloads the system and with today’s sensitive electronic components and installations, they can go haywire (various warning lights for no apparent reason, glitches and so on).
How long does an alternator last?
A refurbished or repaired alternator (if the repair is done in quality) should last at least 100.000 kilometers without any problems. Almost all parts can be bought separately and are meant to be replaced. The only limiting factor for this solution is the build of the alternator itself.
What does it mean when an alternator makes a grinding noise?
4. Grinding noise from the alternator. When a grinding noise appears it is almost certain that the bearings have worn out. There are two bearings, one in the front housing and one in the rear; these bearings hold the rotor in center.
What does the battery warning light on my car mean?
1. Battery warning light comes up on the dash after starting the car (fully glowing) If the voltage is low , then check the: Voltage regulator. Connections to the alternator and from the alternator to the car starter. Battery terminal connections.
How to tell if alternator needs fixing?
Good clues that your alternator needs fixing are when headlights of your car start to become less bright as well as the gauges on your dash starting to flicker. This is because the electrics are starting to fail.
Why do alternators need to be reconditioned?
This is because an alternator is the part of a car that helps your car’s engine to run as it helps power the electrical system.
How to check alternator belt?
How To Test An Alternator? 1 With your car’s engine on, open the hood of your vehicle so you can see and get access to the battery easily. From there, locate your alternator belt to ensure that it simply has not become loose. 2 Use a multimeter on a 20 volt setting to test the voltage of the alternator. Ideally, whilst ensuring your safety, put the positive or red probe onto the red terminal connector that is coming out of the alternative. Next, place the black or negative probe from the multimeter and attach it to a metal part of your car frame – a simple bolt will do. Ensure not to ground the alternator itself. 3 A reading should come up on your meter. If your alternator is in tip top working condition, it should read in the range of 13.8 to 14.2 volts. If it is too high, which is around 15 volts, it means that your alternator is not working properly. The same could be said for if it is too low, but this can be for a far higher number of reasons. It is best to take your car to a mechanic’s, if you are not experienced in vehicle engines yourself, in both instances.
What is the biggest variable in the quote of your alternator belt replacement?
It is the labor cost that is often the biggest variable in the quote of your alternator belt replacement cost. This is because not only will some alternator belt replacements take a shorter amount of time to replace, some mechanics are simply worth paying that little bit more for their experience.
How to test alternator voltage?
Use a multimeter on a 20 volt setting to test the voltage of the alternator. Ideally, whilst ensuring your safety, put the positive or red probe onto the red terminal connector that is coming out of the alternative. Next, place the black or negative probe from the multimeter and attach it to a metal part of your car frame – a simple bolt will do. Ensure not to ground the alternator itself.
What is the voltage of an alternator?
A reading should come up on your meter. If your alternator is in tip top working condition, it should read in the range of 13.8 to 14.2 volts. If it is too high, which is around 15 volts, it means that your alternator is not working properly.
Is it worth having an alternator repaired?
It’s frustrating, it can be expensive, but it is still imperative to ensure that this essential car part is replaced and repaired properly when it starts to become faulty. A driver’s and passenger’s safety rely upon it so it is always worth the cost to have it fixed as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace an Alternator?
In general, expect $130 to $250 for a quality alternator. The lower end is offers professionally remanufactured alternators, while the high-end price range is generally new alternators running higher amps for modern vehicles. Twenty years ago, you didn't need an alternator to keep the navigation system, rear entertainment, and heated seats going, plus the constant draw from all the active safety systems. That extra power comes from larger amp alternators that cost more to build. Repair cost aggregate websites like RepairPal show an alternator replacement averages between 1 to 3 hours of work whether doing it yourself or having a mechanic swap it out. You'll have to factor that time into a shop's rate.
What is an alternator?
Simply put, an alternator is an electrical generator. When the engine is running, it spins the pulleys on the front of the engine, which are connected by a serpentine belt. That belt spins the alternator, which generates the electricity needed to recharge the battery after startup, operate electrical components like the headlights, radio, GPS, ...
How does an alternator work?
While there's some logic there, an alternator is a critical piece of the vehicle's engine. Simply put, an alternator is an electrical generator. When the engine is running, it spins the pulleys on the front of the engine, which are connected by a serpentine belt. That belt spins the alternator, which generates the electricity needed to recharge the battery after startup, operate electrical components like the headlights, radio, GPS, and fuel injection. When an alternator fails, the battery temporarily provides power to those components, until it runs out of juice. Then, everything powered by electricity, including the vehicle's computer, fuel pump, and ignition, stop working, and so does your vehicle. By the time you're seeing symptoms, it's already very near the failure point. Swap it out before it leaves you stranded, because you don't have a lot of time left.
How to tell if alternator is bad?
If you think your alternator is starting to fail (or has already failed), look for these common symptoms: 1 Battery light on 2 Dim or flickering lights 3 Check engine light 4 Grinding or squealing noise 5 Electrical issues 6 Engine stalling 7 Dead battery
What happens when an alternator fails?
When an alternator fails, the battery temporarily provides power to those components, until it runs out of juice. Then, everything powered by electricity, including the vehicle's computer, fuel pump, and ignition, stop working, and so does your vehicle. By the time you're seeing symptoms, it's already very near the failure point.
What is a rebuilt alternator?
"Rebuilt" means only the defective internal part was replaced, while everything else is old. The proper solution is a new or remanufactured alternator. You know what brand new means, while "remanufactured" means the alternator gets completely taken apart, and many wear components replaced with new parts, often including upgrades for longer life. They have warranties too, and can last longer than new, since most of the internal parts are brand new.
What is a remanufactured alternator?
You know what brand new means, while "remanufactured" means the alternator gets completely taken apart, and many wear components replaced with new parts, often including upgrades for longer life .
What to do after alternator is replaced?
After an alternator is replaced, there are tests you can run to see if it’s working correctly, but the simplest way is often to drive it like normal and see if you encounter any problems.
How much does it cost to repair an alternator?
Repairing your vehicle's alternator generally isn’t a viable option compared to replacing one. There are a few reasons for this, but the main one is that repairing something can cost a lot more in terms of labor than replacing it.
What is an alternator?
Your car's alternator generates most of the electricity in your vehicle, powering everything from the radio to taillights. Here’s how it works:
How much does alternator replacement cost?
The costs for replacing an alternator in these sample cars range from roughly $530 to $2,660.
How to tell if your alternator is bad?
Dead battery: A faulty alternator won’t properly charge your battery while the engine is running, so a dead battery could be a sign of an alternator problem. The best way to tell if it’s your battery or alternator is to jump-start your car. If it dies soon after the jump-start, it’s likely your alternator and not your battery.
Why is my car hard to start?
Difficulty starting: If your car has a hard time starting, it might be caused by your alternator. If the alternator is bad, your battery won’t have the necessary power to start your car.
What is the pulley on an alternator?
This pulley rotates the alternator’s rotor shaft and a surrounding set of magnets that pass around a coil, generating a current.