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How do I repair a car alternator?
I tried to start my car the other day, but nothing happened. I had the battery tested at a local auto parts store, and it had a full charge. The guy at the auto parts store said it was probably my alternator. After looking at repair costs, I decided to do the job myself even though it’s my first time. How do I go about repairing a car alternator?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sorry to hear about your alternator! Alternators usually last about seven years, so if your car is a little older, it was probably ready for replacement anyway.
You can’t really repair a faulty alternator, so you’ll need to replace it. The cost of a new alternator ranges from $200 to $1,000 depending on your car model.
Once you purchase the new alternator, follow these steps to remove and replace the old one:
- Always wear personal protective equipment.
- Locate your alternator using the owner’s manual or a schematic for your car.
- Remove any hoses or hardware in front of your alternator.
- Disconnect the electrical cables going to the alternator.
- Remove the drive belt.
- Remove the alternator mounting bolts.
- Take out the alternator.
- Inspect your old alternator for any motor oil. If oil is on it, don’t install the new alternator until you diagnose the problem.
- Put the new alternator in place and go through these steps in reverse order.
After taking the time to replace your alternator, take some time to save on your
car insurance
with the Jerry app.As a licensed broker,
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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