Find the serpentine belt’s tensioner pulley. To remove the strain on the belt, place a wrench on the bolt’s head and turn it counterclockwise. You might insert a 3/8 inch drive ratchet into a 3/8 inch inset on some tensioner pulleys and turn them counterclockwise to release the strain on the belt. Just the alternator pulley’s pulley needs the belt removed. The full belt does not need to be taken off.
In This Article...
How much does a Hyundai Sonata alternator cost?
A Hyundai Sonata alternator replacement typically costs between $532 and $860. While parts are priced between $415 and $713, labor costs are expected to be between $117 and $148.
How is a step-by-step alternator replacement performed?
Every job has a difficult section, and removing the belt from the pulley is the difficult section for replacing an alternator. Your vehicle has a tensioner pulley somewhere on it. It must be moved far enough for the belt to come off the pulley. We had to use a tool to draw back the typical spring-loaded GM tensioner on our 1995 GMC. Some vehicles include rod-end or screw-type tensioners, which work by applying pressure as a bolt is turned through threads to change the length of a rod. To remove the belt in this situation, simply crank the bolt or rod end with a wrench or socket until the strain is released.
In our situation, we seized a Craftsman 17mm Cross Force wrench and applied considerable pressure. That would typically be a horrible experience, but the Cross Force was created specifically for such a scenario. The Cross Force wrenches have a 90-degree twist in the centre, which causes you to push on a flat surface. So we could use more force without feeling uncomfortable. We simply fought it till the belt freed itself.
What is the price of replacing an alternator in a Hyundai?
A Hyundai Elantra alternator replacement typically costs between $586 and $878. While parts are priced between $513 and $786, labor costs are predicted to range between $73 and $92. Taxes and levies are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or special location taken into account.
When changing a generator What else ought to I swap out?
Other improvements are important to make while changing an alternator. Replace the idler roller, tensioner, and serpentine belt when you replace the alternator in your automobile or truck.
What equipment is required to change an alternator?
- Set of sockets and ratchets.
- Screw set.
- belt tensioning device
- safety equipment
- Saves memory if necessary.
- a fresh alternator
How long does changing an alternator take?
It will take a professional roughly two hours to replace an alternator. It could take longer than two hours for a technician to work on your vehicle, so don’t assume that it will just be there for that amount of time. And it will take even longer if the store needs to order parts.
Can I put in an alternator on my own?
Putting your tools together is the first step in changing the alternator in your car. Fortunately, nothing too difficult or pricey is needed for this. The owner’s manual, some eye and hand protection, a few wrenches and sockets, and a spare alternator are all you need. You don’t need to replace a serpentine belt if it is still relatively new. The Drive notes that replacing the old belt is still a good idea.
Next, locate the alternator in your automobile; refer to the instructions if necessary. The need to raise the car on jack stands may depend on where it is. Regardless, unplug the battery’s negative connector because this repair requires the electrical system.
Once that is finished, detach the serpentine belt from the tensioner located close to the alternator. Next, remove any brackets that are attached to the wiring harness. Install the new alternator after removing the old one. After that, all you need to do is replace everything else and tighten the belt tensioner.
Now, the specific alternator replacement process for your car can include a few extra procedures. According to FCP Euro, some BMWs require you to additionally remove the airbox and a few ducts. The fundamental procedures, however, remain the same: remove the belt from the alternator, replace it, and reinstall it.
How can I fix a non-charging alternator?
To verify the operation of your alternator, you can follow a few simple procedures.
- While the engine is running, gently tap the alternator with a hammer; if the charging returns to normal, the carbon brushes within are worn out and require replacement.
- Examine the huge power connection going to the alternator as well as the nearby battery’s typically large 40-60 amp fuse.
- Between the engine and the body, inspect the ground cable.
- Verify the alternator is rotating along with the engine and the serpentine belt is in place.
- Examine the charging light wire and the little power supply wire. You can measure it with a multimeter, but to do it correctly you might need a wiring diagram and some knowledge of car electronics.
- To make sure they are not harmed, you can measure the voltage regulator and the diode assembly. Although some alternators can be used to replace these, buying a new alternator these days is frequently the same cost. What you decide is more worthwhile is entirely up to you.
How can you identify if the problem is with your battery or alternator?
In its most basic form, starting and operating an engine is a 3-step procedure. The battery first jolts the starter with power. The alternator is then activated when the engine is started. The alternator then charges the battery to end this cycle.
Bypassing the battery’s function and jump-starting your vehicle, you can use the process of elimination to identify the offender. The alternator is probably not keeping your battery charged if the engine starts but soon shuts off. If your automobile can be started and maintained by a jump start, but it won’t restart on its own power, you most likely have a dead battery.
How much does replacing an alternator cost?
The average time required to replace an alternator is two to three hours. Depending on the mechanic’s hourly rate, the labor charges would be close to $200. A new alternator should cost between $200 and $350 if you use OEM components. If you don’t mind purchasing aftermarket components, a new part can cost between $100 and $200.
Does AutoZone install alternators?
To make sure the charging system is operating properly, you can take the car to AutoZone and have the alternator examined there. Depending on the precise year, make, model, and engine of your vehicle, some of these instructions may change somewhat.
After replacing the alternator, do I still need a new battery?
Although I’m not a mechanic, I am aware that the alternator and battery are connected. That got me to wondering—does replacing the alternator also require replacing the battery?
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The battery must be disconnected from the engine, but the battery need not be replaced when the alternator is changed. Batteries normally last three to four years, whereas alternators typically last seven to ten years. It is optional to replace your battery and alternator at the same time, although you can if the dates coincide.
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How can I tell if my alternator needs to be replaced?
As was already noted, if your engine is difficult to start, your alternator may not be charging the battery. As a result, when you turn the key in the ignition, all you’ll hear is a clicking noise rather than your engine’s purring sound.
On the other hand, if your car repeatedly stalls out while you’re driving, it can mean that the alternator isn’t supplying the spark plugs with enough power to keep the engine running.
Can a fresh alternator discharge the battery?
The Battery Can Be Drained by a Poor Alternator. An alternator can drain a battery, which is contrary to what it is meant to do. Although it’s unlikely, it is possible. Only when there is a problem with either an alternator component or its connections does there become a draw on the battery.
An alternator can be damaged by what?
- incorrect use of jumper cables
- Adding too many attachments to the charging system
- liquid leaking, or
- a belt that’s too tight and risky for bearings.
You might wonder what exactly the alternator accomplishes. In essence, the alternator keeps the battery charged to enable the car starter to fire. The alternator keeps the battery charged continually once the automobile is moving. The battery will gradually lose its charge if the alternator malfunctions, rendering your automobile immobile.
When should an alternator be replaced? The quality, driving style, and number of electronic accessories being used all have an impact on an alternator’s lifespan. Alternators have no predetermined service interval and thus are susceptible to sudden death.
Without a multimeter, how can I test my alternator?
Start the vehicle, then accelerate to 2000 RPM. Watch the ampere or voltage gauge on the instrument panel of your car, if one is present. All of the car’s electrical components should be turned on. When the automobile is idling, a high gauge reading means that the alternator is charging the battery.
Has the alternator a fuse?
The majority of the time, a high-amperage fuse or fusible link connects the battery to the alternator’s battery terminal. Additionally, the sensing terminal and ignition terminal of the alternator are typically connected in series with low-amperage fuses.
What results in an alternator failing?
Failure of the car alternator is frequently caused by fluid leakage. Engine oil or power steering fluid can frequently find its way into the alternator, resulting in failure or malfunction.
The alternator’s lifespan will also be impacted by your driving style. For instance, if you frequently idle your car while utilizing a lot of the accessories, the alternator may experience more stress, which will result in additional wear and tear.
The alternator may also be vulnerable to salt and water intrusion if it is situated close to the bottom of the engine. Both of these have the potential to enter and damage an alternator.
Do alternators suddenly fail?
The alternator is a crucial part of your car’s electrical system. The alternator converts the crankshaft’s energy into electricity, which is then stored in your car’s battery. The alternator serves to power the many electrical systems in your automobile and maintain battery charge while it is driving.
Your automobile may have a number of various electrical issues when your alternator starts to malfunction, and it may eventually break down. Alternators can break down quickly or gradually over time. There are certain warning indications you may watch out for if your alternator is gradually losing efficiency over time.