How Much Does Alternator Repair Cost?
The car alternator is used to charge the battery and power the electrical system while the car is running. When you use any electrical component, such as your lights or radio, inside your car, it’s the alternator recharging the battery as it loses power to power these parts, effectively replenishing the lost power. If the alternator isn’t working according to plan, then the car will only stay running for as long as the battery has power. Once the battery loses its power and isn’t restored, then the car won’t start. In most cars, a malfunctioning alternator will turn on a battery warning light or have a low voltage gauge reading.
How much does it cost to replace an alternator?
The price of repairing an alternator will depend on the car you drive, the type of alternator (remanufactured or new) and the auto shop you take it to. Most repairs, according to our research, will be in the $275 to $570 range. We researched some of the most popular makes and models and included the quotes we had received inside our table below.
Parts, without any professional assistance, can cost $75 to $350, again, depending on the car’s make and model. Since some cars can take longer in terms of a professional repair, the labor costs will often be the number one factor. At Auto Zone, for example, they list close to 3,500+ alternators on its website, with prices ranging from as little as $80 to more than $350.
At AutoGuru.com, according to their table, the costs ranged anywhere from $375 to more than $990.
| Make and Model | Average (with labor) |
|---|---|
| Chevy Silverado | $300 to $500 |
| Chevy Suburban | $280 to $500 |
| Dodge Caravan | $325 |
| Dodge Sprinter | $275 |
| Ford Escape | $250 to $400 |
| Ford Focus | $250 to $400 |
| Ford Fusion | $325 to $475 |
| Honda Accord | $230 to $450 |
| Honda Odyssey | $375 to $550 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $225 to $350 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $350 |
| Mercedes Benz E350 | $250 |
| Nissan Altima | $300 to $450 |
| Nissan Quest | $250 to $375 |
| Toyota Camry | $275 to $450 |
| Toyota Corolla | $200 to $500 |
| Toyota Sienna | $275 to $510 |
Alternator overview
Before a mechanic works on your car and assumes it’s the alternator, they will first check the entire charging system, including the battery cables for any corrosion and the condition of the battery. Next, if the alternator is considered to be the problem, then he or she will test the output.
When replacing the alternator, the mechanic will first remove the battery to prevent an electric shock. After, the drive belts will be removed from the alternator, along with any electrical connectors, along with several bolts. Once the bolts are removed, the alternator can be freed from the brackets and can be removed. The replacement will be done in reverse order, and the car will be tested with their “starting and charging” system to make sure the battery can hold a charge. Depending on the car you drive, the average job will take two to four hours to complete.
What are the extra costs?
Since the serpentine belt will be removed from the alternator during the repair, some mechanics will recommend replacing it at the same time, especially if the belt is worn. Also, if at the time, the battery cables look corroded or damaged, then the mechanic will want to replace these as well.
Tips to know:
Common signs of a bad alternator include a dead battery, a battery that won’t hold a charge even with a jump start, dimming headlights when starting the car and/or a battery warning light illuminated on your dashboard.
RepairPal.com says alternator failure is fairly common with cars that have 100,000 to 150,000 miles without any incidents. Also, aftermarket electrical components and harsh driving conditions may decrease the lifespan.
Is it the battery or alternator? To tell if the alternator is the problem, take note of the interior lights when running the car. If the dashboard dim, then it likely means the alternator is at fault. The same can be said about the headlights. If your lights run brighter as you accelerate, it could mean the alternator isn’t doing its job. Lastly, listen for a “growling” sound before starting your vehicle. If you hear this noise, with the smell of burning rubber, it can often be the signs of a bad alternator. Listen to this bad alternator sound to see what we are referring to.
How can I save money?
A remanufactured or rebuilt one, if available from a local mechanic, can cost 20 to 40 percent less. Even though it will be remanufactured, some can come with a limited warranty for up to three years. A remanufactured alternator will usually have new internal parts surrounded by a new casing, while a rebuilt alternator will be an alternator that failed but has been replaced with new parts that caused it to fail in the first place.
If you want to purchase new, consider an aftermarket part instead of the OEM part commonly offered at a dealership.
If you’re unsure it’s the alternator, head to your local Auto Zone as these locations will test your alternator for free.
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