Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
A vehicle alternator (or generator as it once was called) is one of those components that are easy to take for granted until it fails. Then it becomes a subject of driver hate and loathing. Here’s how much alternator replacement costs.
Recommended Videos
What Does an Alternator Do in a Car?
An alternator supplies all the electrical power needed to not only keep you comfortable and safe by running HVAC systems and lights, but it keeps the engine running by powering electric fuel pumps and injection systems. It’s basically a belt-driven dynamo that uses the spinning force of the engine’s crankshaft to create electricity and charge the battery.
Signs You Need a New Alternator
Alternators fail in basically two ways; mechanically and electrically. A mechanical failure usually involves a bearing failure that may cause a grinding noise. This is often undetectable from the driver’s seat when it starts. An electrical failure will illuminate the ‘check engine’ or battery warning light on the dash. When an alternator stops delivering electricity, the engine will stall after the battery is depleted by the draw from the fuel pump. This usually happens within a few minutes of the failure.
Factors That Affect Alternator Replacement Cost
Parts pricing is the major portion of an alternator replacement, because for most mainstream vehicles the testing, removal, and replacement is pretty much the same. Labour fees, including testing and diagnosis can range from 1.5 to 3.0 hours depending on how many other components require removal for access.
Average Alternator Replacement Cost
New alternators from the automaker can range from $400-$1000 and labour fees at a shop rate of $150/hr can range from $225-$450.
Remanufactured Alternator Vs New
Re -manufactured or reman alternators can provide substantial savings (costing 75% or less than new) and often come with comparable warranties to new units without sacrificing reliability or lifespans. Ask for that option and ensure any reman line your shop uses meets their standards. If you’re on a really tight budget for an older vehicle, consider used. Auto recyclers will bench test any alternators they sell and prices range from $100-$200. For this option, stick with units that come from vehicles with less than 150K km.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Alternator
It’s hard to reduce your usage of an alternator while driving. After all, we need lights and an effective HVAC system at a minimum for safer touring. But you can help reduce the risk of bearing failure by having your shop check the drive-belt and it’s automatic tensioner at regular service visits. If a tensioner seizes and applies too much continuous tension on the belt, it can shorten the lifespan of the alternator’s bearings.
Cost-Saving Tips for Alternator Replacement
Don’t wait until the engine conks out. If your battery warning light or ‘check engine’ icon comes on , get it attended to without delay. In cold weather, the lack of battery charging power from the alternator can bring the real risk of the battery freezing; adding to repair costs. If your service provider brings a deteriorated belt to your attention, get it replaced. When a belt snaps, you’ll be stuck at the side of the road, waiting for a tow.
FAQs
How Long Does an Alternator Last?
They are designed to last the life of the vehicle, provided that the belt, tensioner, and related wiring are checked regularly.
How Long Can a Car Run with a Bad Alternator?
For a modern fuel injected vehicle with an electric fuel pump, when an alternator stops putting out power, the engine will die out in a matter of minutes. There are rarer cases when an alternator’s internal voltage regulator fails, this may overcharge the battery and overheat the wiring; again this will lead to fast engine stall.
How Long Will a Battery Last Without an Alternator?
Only a few minutes. The power drain from the fuel pump and injection system will quickly discharge the battery. If an alternator-related warning light comes on while driving, immediately turn off all electrical drains such as HVAC and seat warmers and head to the side of the road before the engine stalls. Your four-way flashers will only last a short time, providing a good reason to keep a battery operated set of emergency lights in the vehicle.
Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on X, Tiktok and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.