How often do you need a new alternator?

The average longevity of an alternator is seven years or about 150,000 miles. Several factors can impact the lifespan of your alternator, including the quality of the part, the overall condition of the vehicle, and how many electronics are being used.

How often does an alternator need to be replaced?

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.

What are the symptoms of a bad alternator?

What causes an alternator to go bad?

There are a few issues that could make the alternator go bad, such as jump-starting the car the wrong way or installing an accessory that overloads it. Leaking fluid in the alternator or a tight belt can also cause damage to the alternator bearings, causing premature wearing.

What is the average life of a car alternator?

Alternators have an impressive lifespan of seven years–or between 80,000 to 150,000 miles. But be careful that you are not wearing it out prematurely! Here are some common causes of early alternator failure: Alternator quality.

AutoZone Car Care: When to Replace Your Alternator

How much do alternators cost?

Alternators can average anywhere from $100 to $350 depending on make and model. Most vehicles will have an average cost between $350-400 for the total job of an alternator replacement if no other parts need to be replaced. If the serpentine belt is included in the process, add another $20 to $50 to your bill.

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.

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.

How do you tell if it's the 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 probably your answer.

Can you jump 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 a bad alternator ruin a battery?

A bad battery won't damage the alternator, but a bad alternator can damage a battery. The car battery simply isn't made to deliver electrical energy for extended periods, so both components need to be functioning optimally.

How do I test my alternator?

Will a bad alternator throw a check engine light?

Faulty Alternator

In a nutshell, the alternator helps to regulate the electricity necessary for the proper operation of your car. A faulty alternator not only turns the check engine light on, it also risks your safety.

Can AutoZone tell me if my alternator is bad?

We can do a charging test in the parking lot which tests the battery, and will determine whether or not your system is charging properly. This test may not pinpoint whether the alternator is bad or not, but you can also remove the alternator from your vehicle and have it tested at the nearest AutoZone auto parts store.

What does a broken alternator sound like?

If you're hearing a grinding sound in your car, this could indicate that the alternator is going bad. The grinding sound may be caused by a worn-out bearing. Your car can also make a whining sound when the voltage regulator is sending signals to the alternator to charge more than is necessary.

Can AutoZone replace alternator?

You can bring the vehicle to AutoZone and have the alternator tested on the vehicle to ensure the charging system is performing correctly. Some of these steps may vary slightly depending on your exact year, make, model, and engine.

How long does it take to install 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.

How long can I drive with a bad alternator?

You should only drive 25 miles or around 30 minutes with a bad alternator if you have a fully charged and properly working battery. If your battery is low, you may need to be towed.

What codes can a bad alternator cause?

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. If you suspect a failing alternator but don't have a warning light, pop the hood and check the condition of the belt.

Can an alternator drain a battery?

Contrary to its purpose, an alternator can drain a battery. It's rare, but it's possible. A draw on the battery only occurs if there's a problem with either a component in the alternator itself or connections to it.

Can a weak alternator cause poor engine performance?

Driving around with a bad alternator isn't a smart idea; as damaged or broken alternators can cause a wide range of problems. They can interfere with your car's electrical features, make it harder to start the engine, and even cause the battery to drain entirely, leaving you with an utterly unresponsive vehicle.

What drains car battery overnight?

This can be a result of various factors including the number one cause which is leaving headlights, glove box lights, or cabin lights on overnight. Parasitic drain can also be caused by defective fuses, bad wiring, and poor installation of a new car battery.

Why is my car battery dead every morning?

Defective Alternator

If your alternator has a bad diode, your battery can drain. The bad alternator diode can cause the circuit to charge even when the engine is shut off, and you end up in the morning with a car that won't start.

Do car batteries charge while idling?

Does the Battery Charge if You Let the Car Idle? The simple answer to this question is yes, your car's battery will start to charge as long as your engine is running.