How long does it take a mechanic to replace an alternator?

Replacing an alternator will take a professional about two hours. However, that doesn't mean your car will only be at the shop for two hours—there may be a wait before a mechanic can address your ride. Plus, if the shop needs to get parts delivered, it will take even longer.

Can an alternator be replaced same day?

The replacement of the alternator is a common repair, and will be provided by most shops. Most alternators will be replaced within the day, however plan on dropping the car off early and picking it up near the end of the day.

How many hours 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.

What is the labor cost to replace an alternator?

The average cost for alternator replacement is between $573 and $742. Labor costs are estimated between $123 and $155 while parts are priced between $451 and $587. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Are alternators expensive to replace?

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.

How to Replace an Alternator

Do you have to replace battery when 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 alternator hard to replace?

Introduction: How-To: Replace 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 can you tell if your alternator is bad?

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 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.

Is replacing an alternator a big job?

When the engine is running, the electrical system is powered by the alternator which replenishes your battery so it doesn't go flat. It has an aux belt which goes around it. There are a couple of bolts, one on the bottom and one on the top, so it's not really a big job to replace them.

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.

Will a bad alternator ruin a good battery?

A faulty alternator could ruin a perfectly healthy battery, which would put you further back from a solution than where you started.

How long does it take to replace battery and alternator?

If you decide to change it yourself at home without much experience, it should take you around 3-4 hours, depending on your vehicle's make and model. If you have no mechanical experience, please do not attempt to replace your alternator yourself; you can damage your car or hurt yourself while working with electricity.

How many miles 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.

Will a new alternator improve gas mileage?

Improvements to alternator efficiency can reduce the amount of power drawn from the engine and thus lead to improved fuel consumption.

How do I know if it's the battery or the 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 probably your answer.

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.

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 far can you drive without alternator?

For the unfortunate souls who realize that this vital part of the vehicle is failing, how long will a car run without an alternator and what can you do to elongate the vehicle's ability to function? Without this essential component, your car will only function for up to two hours and as little as five minutes.

Can an 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.

Will a bad alternator throw a code?

HOW TO DIAGNOSE A FAILING ALTERNATOR. If you have a “Check Engine" light on, 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.

Does AutoZone check your alternator?

Every AutoZone in the USA will check your alternator, starter, or battery at no charge.