Why does my car keep going through alternators?

Mechanically a pulley could be off-center and strain the alternator bearings. Or in older cars the tensioner may be adjusted too tightly. If it’s an electrical death, it could be using alternators from a poor source, like some of the marginal alternator recyclers.

Can a new alternator drain a battery?

An automotive alternator is a device that converts power from the engine into electricity, which is used to charge the car’s battery. In some cases, however, the alternator can actually drain the battery, causing significant problems.

How fast will a bad alternator kill a new battery?

In this situation, the battery could last as little as 30 minutes. If you are lucky and could get up to two hours. Note: In case you have to start the car without an alternator, don’t turn off the engine once you’re going. Starting the car flattens the battery down quickly.

Why did I have to change my alternator and battery?

I think they didn’t do a very good job at testing the car before they decided to tell me the problem but to them it seemed like an alternator issue or a battery issue. So they changed those out with a new battery I bought from autozone and an alternator that they had available. After everything, MY CAR TURNS ON AGAIN!

What to do if your alternator has bad ground?

Place the red lead on the positive battery terminal (if possible dig it into the battery post, not the terminal). Place the black lead on the bad post of the alternator. Same thing as above, if the voltage is above 0.5v then examine the positive cabling for problems.

What to look for in an alternator Charger?

Turn on all the loads (blower on high, headlights on, rear defrost on, and so forth). Measure the voltage across the battery and the big bat alternator terminal to alternator case. There are two things that you are looking for.

How much does it cost to replace an alternator?

Alternator Prices and Installation. Make sure that your current alternator is beyond repair first before getting a new one. Alternator prices can vary greatly by make and model, but generally speaking, new alternators should run around $250 without labor for installation.

What’s the difference between brand new and remanufactured alternators?

You know what brand new means, while “remanufactured” means the alternator gets completely taken apart, and many wear components replaced with new parts, often including upgrades for longer life. They have warranties too, and can last longer than new, since most of the internal parts are brand new.

Place the red lead on the positive battery terminal (if possible dig it into the battery post, not the terminal). Place the black lead on the bad post of the alternator. Same thing as above, if the voltage is above 0.5v then examine the positive cabling for problems.

Can a bad battery cause an alternator to over charge?

Make sure that all the connections to the alternator, remote voltage regulator (if applicable) and battery are clean, tight and in good condition. Check your battery or have it tested at your local auto parts store. A bad battery cell can cause the alternator to over-charge the good battery cells.

How much does it cost to replace an alternator in a car?

If you have an awesome audio system, odds are you’ll need a more expensive alternator that puts out more amperage for your car’s electrical needs. In general, expect $130 to $250 for a quality alternator.