Alternator Repair Cost: Everything You Need To Know
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One of the most common sources of stress for car owners is if their vehicle isn’t operating correctly or not operating at all. A big part of car ownership is dealing with unexpected repairs, which can be daunting since they can put a dent in your budget. However, knowing what to expect can soften the blow of expenses due to repairs.
Having said that, if you’re experiencing glitchy electronics or a dead battery, there’s a good chance that you have a faulty alternator. And if you’re reading this post, you’re likely wondering about a faulty alternator repair cost. For a quick answer, the typical alternator repair cost is between $500 to $1,000.
If you want to know more about alternator issues, their symptoms, and more specifics about repair costs, we recommend you keep reading.
What is an Alternator and Its Purpose?
Modern vehicles require a surprising amount of power. From the expected systems that need power, like infotainment systems, power windows, and door locks, your car’s sensors and modules also need power.
The alternator is the component that generates most of the electricity for your vehicle, powering all the electrical systems and sensors as the engine runs. In addition, the alternator generates enough power that some of it finds its way back to the battery for some top-up charges.
The alternator has copper windings and magnetic rotors that generate an alternating current (AC), then the AC is channeled into the rectifier converting it to direct current (DC). The alternator’s voltage output is regulated to ensure optimal power delivery and prevent overcharging.
Most modern vehicles have alternators, and they’re standard pieces of equipment, although some hybrid models don’t have them.
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What are the Signs of a Bad Alternator?
Sometimes, the alternator repair cost can’t be avoided. However, if you can spot the symptoms of a bad alternator, you may avoid additional costs from related repairs. Below are some of the most common signs of a bad alternator:
Dead Battery or Vehicle Won’t Start
The alternator isn’t actually responsible for starting the vehicle; that’s the battery’s job. However, the battery needs a working alternator to deliver the proper charge while the car runs. A faulty alternator won’t properly charge the battery, which may lead to your vehicle not starting.
This is a tricky issue to diagnose since the problem may lie with the alternator or the battery itself. Plus, it would be best to consider other causes like a bad starter or worn spark plug.
Faulty Electronics
One of the classic signs of a faulty alternator is a failing electrical system. As mentioned earlier, the alternator powers the vehicle’s electrical systems, including the radio, A/C, infotainment system, power windows, and heated seats. If you notice that your electronics are spotty or not working at all, this may be due to a bad alternator. This is especially true when idling since the RPM isn’t enough to generate enough power.
In addition, you may also notice that your digital gauge cluster won’t display correctly with a faulty alternator. In this case, make sure you stop driving immediately and call for assistance.
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Grinding, Whirring, or Squealing Sounds from the Engine Bay
A seized rotor will create a loud grinding noise, which sounds out of the ordinary. If you hear these types of noises from the engine bay, this may be because of broken pieces within the alternator or its movement being restricted (i.e., bad bearings). Take note of these sounds and call your mechanic for good measure.
Engine Stalling
An engine stalling is another very tricky issue to diagnose since it might as well point to an infinite number of things. However, engine stalls may also be caused by faulty alternators. Some newer vehicles have electronic fuel injectors that are supplied by the alternator. With a bad alternator, the fuel injectors may not behave properly and stop the combustion process from continuing successfully.
Battery Lights on the Dash
When there’s not enough electricity to power the vehicle, your vehicle’s dashboard will display battery warning lights such as “check engine,” “ALT,” and “Charge.” These warning lights mean that there’s an issue with your car’s charging system and likely with the alternator. However, this might as well be an issue with the battery itself.
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What is the Cost to Repair or Replace the Alternator?
When people say to repair the alternator, it usually means a total replacement of the part. Rebuilding the alternator requires diagnosis, removal and disassembly, installation of new components, reinstating the old alternator, and testing. As you might have guessed, repairing or rebuilding an alternator takes too much labor and money. In general, replacing the alternator entirely makes the most sense rather than trying to fix it.
On the other hand, an alternator replacement makes more sense because it’s as simple as buying a new alternator, removing the old one, and installing the new unit. RepairPal says the average cost to replace the alternator is between $583 and $777. Breaking it down, the labor cost is between $123 and $156, while the cost of replacement parts is around $459 and $621 – without including taxes and fees.
Overall, it’s fair to expect a total of $500 to $1,000 to replace a faulty alternator. Your car model will also determine the overall cost. For example, an Audi or Mercedes OEM alternator will cost more on average. If you can’t afford a brand-new alternator, it might be worth exploring the market for remanufactured or rebuilt units.
Can You Still Drive with a Bad Alternator?
Technically, yes. Your vehicle will still run with a lousy alternator unless it prevents your car from starting. However, it’s not something we recommend. As detailed above, the alternator powers many different components of the vehicle, including the gauges. Without a working cluster gauge, driving becomes a whole lot dangerous. Furthermore, driving with a bad alternator may permanently damage your battery.
Simply put, don’t wait to repair or replace your alternator if you’re experiencing problems. Don’t wait for it to become worse and result in more expensive repairs.
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