Should I replace my battery when I replace my alternator?

This means that in most cases, there is no extra labor and you will only have to pay extra for a new drive belt, which is not very expensive. Should the battery be replaced whenever an alternator is replaced? It’s not necessary, however it’s not uncommon for an old battery to fail when an alternator stops working.

What else should I replace when replacing alternator?

When replacing and alternator, other upgrades are worth doing too. Go ahead and change the serpentine belt, tensioner and idler roller when replacing an alternator on your car or truck.

What happens if you change an alternator without disconnecting the battery?

Never work in the engine bay of a vehicle without first disconnecting the battery for safety. Working on the alternator without disconnecting the battery could result in getting shocked or damaging the vehicle. You can leave the positive cable attached.

What is the average life of an alternator?

The average longevity of an alternator is seven years or about 150,000 miles. Several factors can impact the lifespan of your alternator, including the quality of the part, the overall condition of the vehicle, and how many electronics are being used.

Is it worth it to fix an alternator?

This is also sometimes called “remanning” and is where you open that puppy up and replace any defective or worn out parts inside the alternator and then spit shine everything before you close it back up. Rebuilding an alternator is definitely worth the time and is very cost effective.

What happens when you unplug alternator?

If your alternator is malfunctioning by over-charging your battery, disconnecting it may allow the alternator to provide an even higher voltage to the car electronics, and potentially damage those sensitive components.

Can you change alternator yourself?

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.

When should I Change my alternator?

You should only change out your alternator if the alternator is bad. There are easy tests to figure out if the battery is good or not and if the alternator is good or not. Have those test performed and then replace the damaged parts.

How do I know if my alternator is charging the battery?

If the reading is below 13 volts, the alternator is not charging the battery enough to keep up with the use of accessories. Also check all wiring between the alternator and battery to confirm wires are in good shape, without cuts, kinks, or visible signs of corrosion.

What is the job of the alternator in a car?

The job of the alternator is to recharge the battery when the engine is running. The alternator is the main part of the charging system. If the alternator doesn’t work, your engine may still run for a short time until the battery power is depleted. Car alternator.

What happens if you drive without an alternator?

Without your alternator, your battery would drain in a few minutes and your car would stop. That means no starting, no running, no driving. When your alternator is working and doing its job properly, your battery stays charged, your spark plugs have plenty of spark, and all of your vehicles accessories run without issues.