The cost of a new alternator will vary depending on the sort of vehicle that you have, the cost is also based upon if you are buying a new one or an used one. The alternator cost is in average $300 in case you are buying a new alternator. Another important factor that will determine the cost of an alternator is if whether you are going to install it by your own or you will need to have a mechanic do the work for you.

What does an alternator do in a car?

The alternator is a mechanic piece that is responsible of charging the car’s battery; it also provides energy to the car’s electrical system while it’s engine is turned on. In a more elaborated definition, an alternator is an eletromechanical device that is capable of turning mechanical energy into electrical energy. Almost every alternator use a rotating magnetic field, although linear alternators are used in some cases.

 

Reducing the alternator cost

Sometimes, if your old alternator isn’t too damaged, you can try to get ir repaired, in most cases, to have an alternator repaired would cost you less that buying a new one. In case you have some free time you can check several online autopart stores and find a rebuild kit. Rebuild kits vary in price but if you are lucky enough you will find one for around $16, which is much more less than paying around $60 to $100 for a rebuilt alternator. The rebuild kit comes with full instructiones on how to fix you old alternator. Using the rebuild kit properly will help you lower the alternator cost.

 

Rebuild alternator cost

The cost of repairing your old used alternator may vary depending on the make of you car, model, amperage needed by the whole car, but, on average, the cost of rebuilding an alternator is about $100. You should ask a mechanic what needs to be replaced in it, they will help you to replace only that specific part, nothing else, thus, reducing costs by not buying a new one nor replacing several parts of it.

 

Common signs of alternator problems

The Warning light: inside the instrument panel of new cars there is a warning light dedicated to make you know when the alternator is having problems. Most of the times this light is shaped to be like a battery. Many people see this light and they think that a battery-related problem is going on, this thought is wrong.


Lights: the alternator is in charge of providing the car with the electricity needed to make all the lights go on, the radio to work, the battery to be recharged while the engine is on, and many other critical tasks. When the alternator starts having problems it can’t generate the potential needed by the car, thus, one of the first syntomps is the lights becoming less bright or very bright. Many other instruments like air conditioner and power windows may experience malfunctioning.


Bad smell: when the alternator starts failing, the car gives off a smell like hot wires. This smell is caused by a pulley inside the alternator that is not in alignment (sometimes not turning in a free way) causing more friction on the belt creating more heat than ussual.
 

Easy tests for your alternator – Keeping the alternator cost low

One the easiest ways to check the status of your alternator is starting the car’s engine, then while the motor is on, remove the battery terminal and if the engine stays running then your alternator is in good conditions. If the engine stops after desconnecting the alternator, then your alternator is not producing enough voltage for the engine to work properly, hence, it stops.

Another easy test (although it must be done at night) to see the status of your alternator is turning the headlights on while the engine is on. By pressing the gas pedal the car lights (the headlights in particular) must become brighter. If they really become brighter then it is a sign that your alternator is working properly and you shouldn’t worry about it.