Full Answer
How much do alternators cost for a Ford Explorer?
Ford Explorer Alternator Replacement Cost Estimate. The average cost for a Ford Explorer alternator replacement is between $454 and $533. Labor costs are estimated between $106 and $134 while parts are priced between $348 and $400.
Is it worth it to fix an alternator?
Alternator issues won't go away on their own. They'll need to get fixed eventually, and if you wait too long, the issues might become more serious, leading to more expensive repairs and higher bills for you to pay. If you get the issue fixed early on, the repair will usually be much simpler and cheaper.
How much does a Ford alternator cost?
The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for a Ford F-150 alternator replacement is between $540 and $603. Labor costs are estimated between $87 and $110 while parts are priced between $453 and $493.
How much should it cost to replace an alternator?
It usually takes two to three hours to replace an alternator. Depending on the mechanic's hourly fee, that's about $200 in labor costs. If you use OEM parts, you can expect to pay between $200 and $350 for a new alternator. If you don't mind using aftermarket parts, you could pay between $100 to $200 for a new part.
What are signs that your alternator is going out?
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.
Can you drive with a messed up alternator?
While you can technically still drive with a bad alternator, it is not advised. This is especially true in newer vehicle models. This is because there is more electricity involved compared to an older model.
Do I need a new battery after replacing alternator?
While you have to disconnect the battery from the engine, you do not have to replace the battery when replacing the alternator. Alternators typically have a lifespan between seven and ten years, while batteries last between three and four.
Do alternators go out suddenly?
Alternators can go bad suddenly, or slowly over time. If your alternator is slowly going bad over time there are some warning signs you can look out for.
How long do Ford alternators last?
How Long Does an Alternator Last? Alternators have an impressive lifespan of seven years–or between 80,000 to 150,000 miles.
What causes alternator to fail?
There are a few issues that could make the alternator go bad, such as jump-starting the car the wrong way or installing an accessory that overloads it. Leaking fluid in the alternator or a tight belt can also cause damage to the alternator bearings, causing premature wearing.
How long does it take to fix an alternator?
about two hoursIn 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.
Is it easy to fix car alternator?
Replacing an alternator isn't difficult but you will need some specialized tools like a torque wrench and breaker bar, and depending on how your alternator is mounted, a belt tensioner tool could be required.
What happens if you don't fix your alternator?
A bad alternator will result in a discharged (dead) battery and cause a vehicle to not start or run. Alternators are designed to maintain a battery's charge, not to recharge a dead battery. Your alternator's job is to maintain a consistent charge on your battery. Draining your car's battery is not advised.
Does replacing alternator improve performance?
Does your car run better with a new alternator? It should if the old one was faulty. The alternator provides the electricity to run all the electrical components of the car. So not enough or intermittent or too much current or voltage supply can very adversely affect the car's functioning.
How long does a repaired alternator last?
Numerous factors work with and against alternators, so it's tough to pinpoint an exact lifespan of an alternator. However, we can say with near certainty that an alternator will not last for the average life of a vehicle. In general, you can expect alternators to last about 6-10 years, or about 80,000-150,000 miles.
How long will failing alternator last?
But how long can you drive with a broken alternator? We have researched this question and this is what we found. You should only drive 25 miles or around 30 minutes with a bad alternator if you have a fully charged and properly working battery. If your battery is low, you may need to be towed.
Duralast Gold Alternator DLG3426-6-1
Notes: 130 amp. Designed for maximum durability 100% new PRICE: 214.99 Pulley Included: Y Pulley Belt Type: Serpentine Amperage Rating: 130A Voltage: 12VDC Fan Type: Internal Pulley Groove Quantity: 6
Duralast Gold Alternator DLG3410-16-2
Notes: 130 amp with Black cover on equipped Designed for maximum durability 100% new PRICE: 204.99 Pulley Included: 1 Amperage Rating: 130 Voltage: 12V Fan Type: Internal Rotation Direction: Clockwise Pulley Groove Quantity: 6 Regulator Type: Internal
Duralast Gold Alternator DLG3518-16-2
Notes: 130 amp without black cover on equipped Designed for maximum durability 100% new PRICE: 184.99 Pulley Included: 1 Amperage Rating: 130 Voltage: 12V Fan Type: External Rotation Direction: Clockwise Pulley Groove Quantity: 6 Regulator Type: Internal
Duralast Alternator DL3518-16-2
Notes: Premium Reman 130 amp without black cover on equipped PRICE: 159.99 Pulley Included: 1 Amperage Rating: 130 Voltage: 12V New Or Remanufactured: Remanufactured Fan Type: Internal Rotation Direction: Clockwise Pulley Groove Quantity: 6 Regulator Type: Internal
Duralast Alternator DL3426-6-1
Notes: 130 amp. Premium reman PRICE: 184.99 Pulley Included: 1 Amperage Rating: 130 Voltage: 12V Fan Type: Internal Rotation Direction: Clockwise Pulley Groove Quantity: 6 Regulator Type: Internal
Duralast Alternator DL3410-16-2
Notes: Premium Reman 130 amp with Black cover on equipped PRICE: 174.99 Pulley Included: 1 Amperage Rating: 130 Voltage: 12V Fan Type: Internal Rotation Direction: Clockwise Pulley Groove Quantity: 6 Regulator Type: Internal
Valucraft Alternator 3518-16-2VC
Notes: Premium Reman 130 amp without black cover on equipped PRICE: 114.99 Pulley Included: Y Pulley Belt Type: Serpentine Amperage Rating: 130 Voltage: 12 Fan Type: Internal Rotation Direction: Clockwise Case Material: Aluminum Decoupled Or Clutch Pulley: N Pulley Groove Quantity: 6 Regulator Type: Internal Plug Clock Rear View Main Mounting Ear at 6 O Clock: 2 Finish: Bare Metal.
What is an alternator?
The battery gives your car the charge it needs to get started , but it has a finite amount of storage. This creates the need for a built-in battery charger — that's where the alternator comes in.
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.
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. Harsh driving conditions and custom power accessories can shorten the life of an alternator.
How does an alternator help your car run?
The alternator is the component that charges the battery in your car. When you use electrical components in your car (stereo, lights, etc.), the battery loses power. The alternator recharges the battery, replenishing the lost battery power. The alternator is located in the engine compartment. If the alternator is not working properly, your car will only stay running for as long as the battery has power stored. Once the battery loses power, your car will not start. Normally, a malfunctioning alternator will turn on the battery warning light or will have a low volt gauge reading.
What should a mechanic check before installing an alternator?
The mechanic should check the entire charging system before installing a new alternator, including checking battery cables for corrosion and the condition of the battery.
What to do if alternator is faulty?
Remove and replace alternator if found to be faulty.