
Where to buy an alternator for a Chevy Malibu?
Your Chevrolet Malibu alternator uses magnetic brushes to induce the current your car's electrical systems need. Buy a Chevy Malibu alternator at a you will love from AutoZone. Looking for an alternator for Chevy Malibu isn't confusing with help from AutoZone's friendly, trustworthy staff.
How much does it cost to replace a bad alternator?
Alternator failure is fairly common, but an alternator can last well over 100,000 miles without incident. Harsh driving conditions and custom power accessories can shorten the life of an alternator. The average cost for an Alternator Replacement is between $496 and $589 but can vary from car to car.
What does an alternator do on a car?
This creates the need for a built-in battery charger — that's where the alternator comes in. The alternator charges the battery and powers the vehicle's electrical system when the engine is running. It provides power to the starter motor, lights, stereo and more. How does the alternator work?
Can you drive a car with a bad alternator?
A vehicle with a weak alternator can be driven to a repair shop, but if the alternator has completely failed, the car will need to be towed. How often do alternators need to be replaced? Alternator failure is fairly common, but an alternator can last well over 100,000 miles without incident.

How much is a Chevy Malibu alternator?
The average cost for a Chevrolet Malibu alternator replacement is between $496 and $589. Labor costs are estimated between $113 and $142 while parts are priced between $384 and $447.
What are the most common problems with a 2012 Chevy Malibu?
The 2008 through 2012 Chevy Malibu generation has received similar complaints about power steering loss, in addition to complaints about faulty door locks, intermittent brake light issues, and transmission failure. Chevrolet recalled the 2008 and 2009 models to replace the steering motor control unit and torque sensor.
How long does an alternator last in a Chevy Malibu?
An alternator should have a useful life of between 80,000 to 150,000 miles, or around 7-10 years, whichever comes first.
What does it mean when the battery light comes on in a 2012 Chevy Malibu?
If your 2012 Chevy Malibu battery warning light comes on while driving, be sure to turn off your accessories, so the battery doesn't drain further. The warning light ordinarily means that the alternator isn't working properly, meaning you are operating solely on battery power.
Is there a recall on 2012 Chevy Malibu?
Recall no. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 8, 2010, to October 11, 2012.
How many miles will a 2012 Chevy Malibu last?
The Chevrolet Malibu has a service life of 200,000 – 250,000 miles on average providing it's properly maintained. If you drive 15,000 miles per year, you can expect the Chevrolet Malibu to last 13 – 17 years before requiring uneconomical repairs or breaking down.
How do I know if my alternator is going bad?
7 Signs of a Failing AlternatorDim or Overly Bright Lights. ... Dead Battery. ... Slow or Malfunctioning Accessories. ... Trouble Starting or Frequent Stalling. ... Growling or Whining Noises. ... Smell of Burning Rubber or Wires. ... Battery Warning Light on Dash.
Is it worth replacing an alternator?
It's usually a better idea to replace the alternator entirely if it is malfunctioning. While new ones can be spendy, they are usually a better choice than remanufactured or rebuilt options. Those probably won't last as long as a new one since the mechanical parts have miles on them already.
How do I know if I need a new alternator or battery?
If the engine starts but dies immediately, your alternator probably isn't keeping your battery charged. If a jump starts and keeps your car running, but the car can't start again off of its own power, a dead battery is probably your answer.
What does red battery light on dashboard mean?
A dashboard battery light basically means there's a battery charging problem. Your car isn't getting enough voltage from the car battery to operate properly.
How long can you drive with a battery light on?
Either way, it's something you want to check out. If there was enough juice for you to start the car, then you can safely drive the car on however much charge is remaining, but it won't last long — maybe 30 to 60 minutes max. If the battery isn't being charged, the electrical systems will start to fail.
What causes battery light to come on while driving?
Basically, the light indicates a battery charging problem. If the light comes on and stays on while driving, this means that your alternator is running solely on energy stored in the battery. If you continue driving, your battery will eventually drain and your vehicle will stop working.
Is the 2012 Chevy Malibu a good car?
The 2012 Malibu is perhaps one of the best cars ever from Chevy. Its extremely reliable, gives decent mileage and requires minimum maintenance. I bought it used with 100,000 miles already on it but I still have nothing but good things to say about its performance.
How much does a starter cost for a 2012 Chevy Malibu?
We currently carry 13 Starter products to choose from for your 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, and our inventory prices range from as little as $107.99 up to $344.99.
What problems does a 2012 Chevy Cruze have?
Oil leaks from the engine and transmission, coolant leaks from the thermostat housing, and faulty ignition coils are other engine issues that have also been reported. The Cruze isn't without its electrical issues either, with loose battery cables and issues with the trunk release switch all being reported as well.
What are common problems with a 2010 Chevy Malibu?
What Common Problems Does the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu Have?Transmission failures are the most frequent complaint from owners at around 100,000 miles. ... Stalling while driving is another issue that shows up at roughly 45,000 miles. ... Broken timing chains show up at around 100,000 miles on some Malibu models as well.More items...•
What are the most popular 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Alternator products?
Replacing your Alternator on your 2012 Chevrolet Malibu? Find our most popular parts below:
What is a Denso alternator?
Rotor slip rings are buffed to an 8 micron surface finish, with run out limited to 20 microns, minimizing brush wear and abrasion. Bearings are validated to OE standards and loaded with premium OE-standard lubricants. New or remanufactured, a DENSO alternator is a quality component.
What is a remanufactured alternator?
ACDelco's Professional Remanufactured Alternators are the ideal high quality replacement for many vehicles on the road today. ACDelco's Professional Remanufactured Alternators use high-quality bearings with high-temp lube and double-lipped rubber seals. Rotors and stators are electronically tested and then sealed with secondary insulating coating. Remanufacturing alternators is an industry standard practice that involves disassembly of existing units, and replacing components that are most prone to wear and failure with new components. Damaged and obsolete parts are replaced and are 100% end of line tested to ensure they perform to ACDelco specifications. In addition, remanufacturing also benefits the environment by returning components back into service rather than processing as scrap or simply disposing of them. These premium aftermarket reman alternators are manufactured to fit a wide range of vehicles and will provide the same performance, durability, and service life you expect from ACDelco.
How to tell if alternator is bad on Chevy Malibu?from 700r4transmissionhq.com
Dim headlights. Dimming headlights are one of the most common signs of a bad alternator in the Chevy Malibu. Dim headlights indicate that the alternator can’t keep up with the energy request for the lights. As your Malibu begins to eat through the voltage stored in the battery, the headlights will begin to fade.
What is the job of an alternator in a Malibu?from 700r4transmissionhq.com
The alternator’s job in your Malibu is to provide electricity as it is running. The battery stores enough voltage to be able to start the engine without the assistance of an alternator. It is turned by a serpentine belt. It’s worth noting that a bad serpentine belt can cause the alternator to stop charging effectively.
How many volts should an alternator get?from 700r4transmissionhq.com
With the engine just fired up, you should get over 14.2 volts. If you got 14.2 or more volts, the alternator is charging fine. If it’s still showing in the 12’s, it’s time to replace the alternator. If it’s producing a voltage level in the 13’s, go ahead and take it into a parts store and have it tested. It’s probably bad.
What does it mean when your Malibu battery is dead?from 700r4transmissionhq.com
Dead Battery. Outside of the battery warning light, a dead battery is the most common symptom of a bad alternator. As the alternator can no longer supply your Malibu with an adequate power supply, it will begin to feed off of the reserve in the battery. Once this battery reserve hits a certain level, the vehicle will begin to run erratically ...
How to tell if alternator belt is bad?from 700r4transmissionhq.com
It’s worth noting that a bad serpentine belt can cause the alternator to stop charging effectively. It’s pretty easy to tell if one is bad. It’ll look dry rotted. If it’s been slipping a lot it’ll have a glossy shine to it. You’ll have probably heard it squeal when you start the engine.
How many volts does a Malibu have?from 700r4transmissionhq.com
With the engine off, you should get a reading somewhere between 12.0 volts and 12.6 volts .
What does it mean when the voltage drops back into the 12s?from 700r4transmissionhq.com
If the voltage dropped back into the 12’s, it’s a very strong indication that the alternator is bad. It’s still worth having it tested, but be prepared to replace it. Another test you can do that’s not nearly as scientific is to turn the headlights on and then start the engine.
How much is a alternator replacement?
When your car starts having electrical problems, it’s a sign you need an alternator replacement. Considering the price of a new alternator as well as labor, you should expect to spend anywhere between $500 and $1,000 to get a new one for your vehicle.
How long does it take to replace an alternator?
In general, it will take about two hours for you to replace an alternator on your own, though this could vary somewhat depending on your knowledge of car mechanics. If you take your car into a shop in order to have the alternator replaced, timing may vary somewhat, and you may have to leave the car for the day.
How long will a 2012 Chevy Malibu last?
Owners of the 2012 Chevy Malibu have been able to get their vehicles up to 250,000 miles. The average life span will be in the 160,000 to 200,000 range. These vehicles are pretty reliable.
What are the signs of a bad alternator?
Car Won’t Start. A dead battery almost always lies behind a car that won’t start. …
Is it worth replacing an alternator?
It’s usually a better idea to replace the alternator entirely if it is malfunctioning. While new ones can be spendy, they are usually a better choice than remanufactured or rebuilt options. Those probably won’t last as long as a new one since the mechanical parts have miles on them already.
Is 2012 Malibu a good car?
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu’s #7 ranking is based on its score within the 2012 Affordable Midsize Cars category. Currently the Chevrolet Malibu has a score of 8.2 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 89 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
How much is a timing belt for a Chevy Malibu?
The real cost is in the labor, because a lot of parts need to be disassembled to get to the belt. Shopping around to get a few quotes is your best bet to get the best deal, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $409 to $919 (including parts and labor).
How much does it cost to replace an alternator in a Malibu?
The average cost for a Chevrolet Malibu alternator replacement is between $584 and $613. Labor costs are estimated between $114 and $144 while parts are priced at $469. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
What is AC in an alternator?
The alternator produces an alternating current (AC), which is changed to usable direct current (DC) by the rectifier diodes within the alternator.
How long does an alternator last?
Alternator failure is fairly common, but an alternator can last well over 100,000 miles without incident. Harsh driving conditions and custom power accessories can shorten the life of an alternator.
Can I drive with an alternator problem?
A vehicle with a weak alternator can be driven to a repair shop, but if the alternator has completely failed, the car will need to be towed.
