Alternator Testing And Replacement
Think You’re In Need Of Alternator Testing and Replacement? Schedule a diagnostic appointment today. Serving Limerick, Royersford, Collegeville, Pottstown, Schwenksville & More.
Contact us or call us today to schedule an appointment 484-369-8342
How Do I Know If My Alternator Is Going Bad?
It’s important to pay attention to the signs of a bad alternator before you are left stranded. Getting your vehicle into us as soon as you see the following signs can save you from not being able to drive your car when it finally stops working.
The following are signs your car’s alternator may be bad:
Dim And/Or Overly Bright Lights. The inconsistent amount of voltage may send a very low amount or very high amount of power to the lights.
A Dead Battery. A bad alternator isn’t sending enough power to charge the battery while your car is running. This will lead to your battery draining quickly.
Slow And/Or Malfunctioning Accessories. The lack of consistent power from the alternator isn’t enough to properly energize your vehicles equipment. You may notice this when putting your windows up or down.
Trouble Starting Or Frequent Stalling. The alternator is failing to charge the battery properly to be able to start the car. Frequent stalling can be caused by the alternator not supplying enough power to the spark plugs.
Whining And/Or Growling Noises. This occurs when the belt that turns the alternator becomes misaligned or is rubbing against the pulley.
The Smell Of Burning Wires Or Rubber. The smell could be from the belt that is under tension or wires that have become damaged or taking on too much power/heat from the bad alternator.
- The Battery Warning Light On The Dash Is On. As mentioned above, a bad alternator fails to charge the battery properly, so you may be alerted to a bad alternator due to a dead battery.
What Does My Car's Alternator Do?
The quick answer is that your alternator alternates power, giving the correct amount of voltage to each component of the vehicle that requires it.
For a more scientific explanation, the alternator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy with an alternating current. The stator and rotor inside the alternator work as magnets and rotate to generate the alternating current. Then the alternating current(AC) is transformed into a direct current(DC) that charges the battery.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace My Car's Alternator?
Although prices may vary on the issue itself and what vehicle you have, the pricing below is a good reference for ballpark budgeting. Your car MAY NOT Need an alternator replacement, so come in and let us assess the issue for you.
In most cases, it will average between $350−400 for the alternator replacement if no other parts need to be changed or repaired. Add another $20 to $50 if the serpentine belt has to be replaced as well. If you go to a dealership, expect to pay close to if not over $1,000.