Can I install an alternator myself?

Replacing an alternator can cost you several hundred bucks at the local repair shop, but it’s one of the simplest repairs you can do at home. With a few tools and about an hour you can swap it out yourself — and keep your dough in your pocket where it belongs.

How hard is it to install an alternator?

It’s not horribly difficult, but there’s a lot more work involved than ever before and one might need some unexpected tools. Open the hood, find the alternator, and determine whether your tools can get onto all the fasteners they need to get onto, including those for the serpentine belt tensioner, if so equipped.

Can you put an alternator in wrong?

You can install a different alternator if the mechanical configuration is the same as the old alternator and the electrical characteristics the same or better. The drive belt pulley needs to line up with the other pulleys.

How much does it cost to install an alternator?

However, changing an alternator requires a bit of automotive knowledge. If you decide to take it in to be replaced by a professional technician, expect to pay around $100 or so for labor on top of the cost of the materials, for a total of roughly $300-400.

Is replacing an alternator expensive?

Most vehicles will fall into the $350-400 range for the total job of alternator replacement if no other parts need to be replaced. If the serpentine belt gets tacked on, add another $20 to $50 to your bill. If you decide to go with dealership parts and labor, expect the bill to climb over $500 in many cases.

Is an alternator expensive?

How much does an alternator cost depends on the type of vehicle. In some models, they can run as low as $180 and for premium vehicles, they can run over $1,000. The average cost is approximately $500.

Can I use an alternator from a different car?

Unlike an OEM specific alternator, a universal alternator works on a variety of vehicle engines. It is important to purchase a Alternator with the same Amps and not one with less. If you purchase one with less Amps it will not not charge your battery fast enough so you can use all the cars electrics when required.

What wires go to the alternator?

Remote voltage sense alternators: The three wires connected to the alternator are the positive, negative cables and a third smaller gauge wire connected to the alternator remote sense or (S) terminal. To determine if your vehicle has remote sense, voltage will always be present on this terminal at all times.

Is it worth replacing an alternator?

This is also sometimes called “remanning” and is where you open that puppy up and replace any defective or worn out parts inside the alternator and then spit shine everything before you close it back up. Rebuilding an alternator is definitely worth the time and is very cost effective.

How do you install a new alternator in a car?

Installing the New Alternator Slide the new alternator into place. You might have to wiggle the alternator around to squeeze it back into place in a crowded engine bay. Insert the mounting bolts. Slide the mounting bolts through the alternator and into the mounting bracket. Run the belt over the new alternator pulley.

What should I do if my alternator is hot?

Really! First and most importantly: disconnect the battery. There may be several wires or just one wire on your alternator, but rest assured that one of them is hot. If you don’t disconnect the battery, you’re very likely to end up grounding a live wire during the process.

How do I loosen the bolts on my alternator?

Loosen the bolts on the alternator if there is no auto-tensioner. In cars without an auto-tensioner pulley, you can relieve the tension on the belt simply by loosening the two bolts that secure the alternator to the engine. These will often require a 14mm or 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) socket, though you may need to try others.

How can I tell if I need to replace my alternator?

Once the electrical connections, drive belt and any interference items are inspected, disconnected and removed, the old alternator can be unbolted from the engine and mounting brackets. Match it Up! Compare the old alternator to the replacement alternator.

How do you install an alternator?

How to Install an Alternator in 10 Steps Step1 – Disconnect the Negative Terminal of the Vehicle’s Battery Step 2 – Loosen the Two Bolts that Hold the Alternator Step 3 – Rotate the Alternator Step 4 – Remove the Electrical Wires Step 5 – Adjust the Bolts Step 6 – Install the Belt Step 7 – Position the Alternator Step 8 – Move the Vise Grip

Is an alternator expensive to replace?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$400 in labor costs to replace an alternator. The cost to replace an alternator will also be dependent on where your alternator is located. If your alternator is on the top of your engine bay then it won’t take as long to access the alternator to replace it.

Do you need an alternator?

If you’ve got a basic, stock vehicle, chances are you don’t need a high-output alternator. Most factory alternators are rated at 65 to 100 amps and are capable of handling your vehicle’s basic necessities, such as headlights, gauges, fuel pumps, A/C, etc.

Can an alternator be installed wrong?

When the wrong alternator has been installed in a stock vehicle or if the pulley has undersized dimensions (causing extra alternator rotation), the charging supply will be higher than the demand and cause an overcharged state. High performance or racing alternators should not be installed on stock passenger vehicles.