Ever had your car suddenly die on you, even with a good battery?
The culprit is often a failing alternator.
Replacing one can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,200+, depending on your vehicle and labor costs.
While that price range may feel steep, this isn’t a repair you can afford to delay.
A malfunctioning alternator can easily disrupt your everyday commute, from dim headlights to unusual engine stutters.
But fear not!
We’ll discuss the details of the alternator replacement cost, warning signs to watch for, and tips to keep your car running smoothly without spending on expensive repairs.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does an Alternator Replacement Cost?
- 8 Signs You Need an Alternator Replacement
- What Can Cause Your Alternator to Fail?
- Should You Repair or Replace the Alternator?
- Can You Drive with a Faulty Alternator?
- Can You Replace the Alternator Yourself?
- How Long Do Alternators Last?
- 7 Tips to Prolong Your Alternator’s Life
How Much Does an Alternator Replacement Cost?
Let’s review the costs of replacing a failing alternator:
A. Range
You can expect to pay between $150 and $1200+ to replace a bad alternator.
This includes:
- New alternator: $100 to $700+
- Labor costs: $50 to $200 per hour (it usually takes 1-3 hours to replace it)
For those considering repair, typical costs range between $50 and $200, depending on the extent of damage.
B. Factors Affecting Costs
The alternator repair cost varies based on your vehicle’s make, model or year, local labor rates, and whether you buy aftermarket, OEM parts, or a rebuilt alternator.
Other factors include:
- Alternator accessibility: Some cars have easily accessible alternators, while others, like BMW, have alternators buried deep in the engine compartment. Removing several parts takes time, which increases costs.
- Mounting style: Some high-performance or luxury vehicles use alternators with unique brackets or integrated electrical components, which can raise both parts and labor costs.
- Type of alternator: Standard alternators in older or passenger cars are relatively affordable compared to high-output ones on trucks and heavy vehicles.
- Amperage: A new alternator with higher amperage output costs more since it’s built to handle greater electricity demand. These often use sturdier materials and heavier windings, which can be pricey.
- Independent mechanic or dealership: Authorized dealerships or specialized auto shops may charge more than independent mechanics, but they might offer higher-quality parts and warranty.
- Availability of parts: High-performance alternators or those installed on vintage cars may be more expensive or take longer to source, increasing parts costs.
- Additional repairs: During the alternator replacement, mechanics may discover that car parts, like the serpentine belt, a bad battery, or a battery cable, need attention. Replacing any additional component can increase the total alternator replacement cost.
8 Signs You Need an Alternator Replacement
Here are some symptoms of alternator failure:
- A dead battery
- Vehicle stalling or difficulty starting the car
- Squealing or whirring noises from the engine bay
- Air conditioner blowing warm or inconsistent air
- A whistling or overheating drive belt (serpentine belt)
- An illuminated battery or check engine light
- Dim or flickering lights and malfunctioning accessories that run on electricity (power windows, radio, etc.)
- Burning rubber smell from the drive belt slipping on the alternator pulley
What if it’s the Battery and Not a Bad Alternator?
A failing alternator often causes dimming headlights, an ineffective air conditioner, squealing noises, or the battery warning light staying on while the engine runs.
In contrast, a dead battery usually prevents the car from starting, but doesn’t cause flickering lights or strange noises from the engine bay once it’s running.
What Can Cause Your Alternator to Fail?
These are the common culprits:
- Worn or damaged bearings and brushes
- Frayed, loose, or broken wiring
- Exposure to excessive moisture
- Overheating from engine strain or poor ventilation
- A failing voltage regulator
- Incorrect or poor installation
Should You Repair or Replace the Alternator?
Whether to repair or replace a faulty alternator, both options have their pros and cons:
A. Repair
Repairing the alternator is generally cheaper and faster since it doesn’t require installing a new one. It can help extend the existing alternator’s life.
However, repairs aren’t always possible, especially if the alternator is severely damaged or old. The fix may not last long, potentially leading to future issues.
B. Replacement
Replacing the alternator provides long-term reliability, as a new part comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. They are built to perform better over time.
The downside is that replacement is usually more expensive and labor-intensive.
What about an Alternator Rebuild?
Rebuilt alternators are a middle ground — your mechanic replaces only failed parts. However, they carry some risk and often lack a warranty. Replacing a faulty unit with a new one or a remanufactured alternator (backed by a warranty) is a more reliable solution.
Can You Drive with a Faulty Alternator?
Short answer: No.
The alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, which charges the battery and runs the ignition system. Without a functioning alternator, the battery will eventually run out of power, causing the engine to shut down.
Moreover, if the alternator’s voltage regulator fails, it can overcharge the battery, risking damage to the electrical power system.
So, to prevent a severe alternator issue, have it replaced immediately when you notice a warning sign.
Can You Replace the Alternator Yourself?
Yes and No.
While some alternators are inexpensive and straightforward to swap, others are buried deep in the engine. In order to replace them, you may need to remove the wheel or firewall and navigate tight spaces.
If you’re considering installing it yourself at home to save on labor, don’t proceed unless you have the experience and knowledge about your car model. Any fault in the electrical power supply can do more harm than good to your car’s electrical system.
If you’re already second guessing your skills, it’s better to spend that extra dollar and hire a professional.
How Long Do Alternators Last?
Alternators typically last for about 100,000 to 150,000 miles or around a 7-10 year range. However, they may fail sooner due to driving habits, environmental conditions, and part quality.
Do Warranties or Insurance Cover Alternator Cost?
Certain warranties may cover alternator repairs or replacements, depending on the warranty type and cause of failure.
Factory or manufacturer warranty terms may cover alternators if the issue is due to a defect, while extended warranties or service contracts also often include alternators unless the damage is from normal wear and tear.
Standard powertrain warranties usually don’t cover them, and aftermarket parts are typically excluded.
On the other hand, most standard auto insurance policies don’t cover alternator repairs or replacement because they are considered mechanical failures, not sudden accidents or damage.
However, depending on the auto insurance policy terms, you may receive coverage if the alternator is damaged in a covered event such as a collision or fire.
7 Tips to Prolong Your Alternator’s Life
In order to avoid an alternator issue, here’s what you should do:
- Follow your car’s recommended maintenance schedule to identify and resolve bad battery issues promptly.
- If your battery’s electrical energy is fully drained, always use a battery charger and not the alternator to recharge it.
- Check your serpentine belt and pulleys regularly and replace them promptly to prevent alternator damage.
- Protect your alternator from fluid damage by fixing coolant, power steering fluid, or oil leaks immediately.
- Avoid idling for long periods as it strains the alternator and drains your battery power.
- Charge electronic devices in your car one at a time to avoid overloading the alternator.
- Fix faulty electrical components promptly to avoid straining the alternator and battery.
Don’t Get Stranded: Let AutoNation Mobile Service Fix Your Alternator
A well-maintained alternator is essential for keeping your car’s electrical system running smoothly — from powering your lights and dashboard to charging your battery.
If you notice signs of failure, contact AutoNation Mobile Service.
We’ll send a skilled mechanic to replace the bad alternator at your home or office driveway. We also offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all car repair services.
Book an appointment today.