How Much Does Alternator Repair Cost?

If your car’s electrical systems are acting up, it could be due to a failing alternator. There are many signs of a malfunctioning alternator, such as dimmed lights, short battery charge, or in more serious cases, the smell of burning plastic due to burning wiring or internal components. If your car is exhibiting these same signs, you are in need of immediate alternator repair or replacement. Fortunately, alternator repair is not as expensive compared to other major automotive repairs, like engines and catalytic converters.

Continue reading to learn more about alternator repair costs, including the difference among new, used, and refurbished alternators.

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Your car’s alternator is important because it converts the revolutions of the engine into electrical energy, which in turn, recharges the car battery and allows for all your electrical systems to operate. Such systems include your interior and exterior lights, stereo, GPS, wipers, spark plugs, and more. Basically, if your alternator stops working, eventually your car won’t drive.

Alternator Repair Prices

The price to repair a failing alternator depends on several factors. Such factors include the make and model of your vehicle, as well as, the extent of damage to the inner components and more. On average, the cost to repair is less than the cost to replace, as a new alternator will run anywhere from $200 to $600, not including parts and labor. You can opt for a refurbished or used auto part, which will save you a lot of money. Refurbished alternators will likely come with a 1 year warranty too, so they come recommended, but used parts may suddenly break down at any time, so tread carefully.

As for the cost to repair or install an alternator, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $400, depending on the above-mentioned factors. Luxury and exotic vehicles will be more expensive to repair, while older cars may be easier, which means paying less in labor. Just be sure to choose a reputable and professional Indianapolis auto repair shop to ensure you are getting quality work at a fair price.

Indianapolis Alternator Repair

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for ASE certified alternator repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide comprehensive automotive electrical repair and service for all make and model vehicles, as well as, free estimates, free advice, and auto repair coupons! Schedule an appointment for a free estimate, today!

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6 Signs That Suggest You Need Alternator Repair

If you tried to turn your car on this morning, but all you got were a series of loud clicks, perhaps you are convinced it is a dead battery. However, it could also be your alternator, which is more likely the case if your car battery is still fairly new. If you suspect that your alternator is in trouble, your first step is to take a closer look to see if you can detect any signs a failing alternator.

Continue reading to learn the top 6 most evident signs that an alternator needs to be repaired or replaced.

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An alternator is an important automotive parts because it is the energy base for the entire vehicle. Alternators basically provide the necessary electricity to all the various electrically-controlled components in a vehicle. It supplies the energy to start the engine, charge the battery, and power up all other electrical components.

Over time, parts of the alternator can begin to tarnish or wear down. Things like brushes, rotors, and other internal parts must be replaced periodically. It is best to refer to your car’s owners’ manual for factory recommended instructions for alternator maintenance. In the meantime, it is wise to learn how your car will tell you the alternator has gone bad.

Usually, they do this by demonstrating these 6 signs:

Dead Battery

As mentioned, one of the most common signs of a failing alternator is a dead battery, which is another reason why a failing alternator is misinterpreted as a car battery problem so often. When an alternator is malfunctioning, the battery must use a lot of extra energy, which quickly depletes its power.

Check Engine Light

When the check engine light comes on, it could mean a lot of different things. For this reason, you must have your vehicle diagnostically tested by a professional to determine the exact cause. However, a failing alternator is a possible reason why a check engine light might illuminate.

Engine Stalls

If your engine is stalling on your every time you try to drive your vehicle from one destination to another, you may very well have an alternator problem on your hands. As mentioned, alternators supply the energy needed to start engines and keep them running.

Dimmed Lights

Do your interior and exterior lights seem less bright than they normally do? Headlights, ceiling lights, stereo lights, and dashboards lights are all powered by the energy your alternator supplies. So when the alternator is malfunctioning, the lights are usually one of the first components to be affected.

Electrical Malfunctions

As with dimmed lights, additional electrical malfunctions are often an indication of alternator issues. Things like power seats, power windows, GPS, stereo, radio, and screen displays can begin to have problems, or stop working entirely.

Strange Sounds

As with most internal automotive problems, strange noises are usually a common red flag. When your car does not sound like it usually does, both while it’s in idle and when it’s running, it could be a sign that your alternator needs to be repaired.

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Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for specialized alternator repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are ASE licensed and certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of foreign and domestic auto repair services, as well as, free estimates, coupons, car care advice, and more. Request a free estimate, today.