The alternator is the part of your car that provides power to all the other electrical components in your vehicle. When it breaks, you can’t drive anywhere without a tow truck or a mechanic! The cost for an alternator replacement varies from place to place and depends on what type of vehicle you have. In this blog, we’ll discuss the alternator replacement cost and some symptoms of bad alternators.
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How Much Should Alternator Replacement Cost?
The cost for an alternator replacement varies from place to place and depends on what type of vehicle you have. The average price is between $500-$1000, but factors such as the condition of your car’s electrical system or if there are engine problems will change this estimate.
For a normal car, it cost around $850 but for a luxurious one, a brand new alternator may start at around $1000 (as for an Audi). Some newer models of car are equipped with what’s called an “advanced” alternator. These have been designed specifically for cars with electric power steering assistance, that’s why it’s more expensive.
Though the cost may seem high, in most cases this is a worthwhile investment. The alternator keeps your battery charged and supplies power to important parts of your car like headlights and wipers. Without it, you’ll have trouble starting up or driving at all!
Some people might think about remanufactured alternators but these can be significantly less reliable. That’s because the parts are not new and have been used before.
Symptoms of Bad Alternators
An alternator can last for up to 8 years (or 120,000 miles), so when it comes to its finish line, you should notice some symptoms below to go for a replacement:
#1 Dim Lights
The alternator keeps your headlights and other electrical parts of the car going. If they start to dim, it’s a sign that you may need an alternative power source soon.
#2 Slow Engine Startup
When the alternator is not strong enough to power the vehicle, it might take longer to get your engine started.
#3 Squealing Noise from the Engine
If you start to hear a squealing noise coming from the engine compartment, it might be a sign that your alternator is about to die.
The reason is that the alternator, besides the engine, also helps with powering up electrical components on your car. If it starts to die and no longer produces enough power for these parts, they will start making noise as a result of not being able to operate at optimal levels.
#4 Electrical Systems Not Working
If you notice that your car’s electrical systems are not working properly, it might be a sign of an alternator issue. This includes things like the headlights and taillights which may start to malfunction or stay on even when they’re switched off, radio static noise coming from speakers while driving in silence.
Pay attention to this when the car is idle and it starts to make a humming or buzzing noise.
#5 Dashboard Warning Light
A battery warning will come on your dash telling you to charge it up if there is not enough power left for starting up your car!
When one of these lights starts to flash, it’s an indicator that something is wrong. It could be a sign of an alternator issue because this light will become your car’s way of telling you there is not enough power being produced for the electrical system and other parts like headlights or taillights are affected by this problem.
#6 Stalling Engine
For more modern models, the engine might stall when the alternator is not working properly. The engine will turn off when the alternator isn’t pumping enough power.
This can be detected by looking at your dashboard and seeing that the warning light, battery or just the car’s power, in general, has been affected.
Final Words
There is no exact figure for how much should alternator replacement cost. As it depends on many factors. But one thing for sure is that it isn’t cheap. Knowing the symptoms of a bad alternator is necessary too as they let you know when you should replace the alternator.
Hey, Naomi O’Colman here.
With years working at an auto repair shop in Texas and passionate about the auto industry. I want to share with my readers the best quality products through my well-researched reviews as well as fixing minor defects in your car.
