- Examine the charging system as a whole (battery, cables, alternator).
- Look over the drive belts.
- Check the output of the alternator.
- If the alternator is determined to be broken, remove and replace it.
- Retest the output of the alternator
In This Article...
How much does a Toyota Corolla alternator replacement cost?
Alternator replacement for a Toyota Corolla typically costs between $390 and $477. Between $68 and $86 is the expected range for labor costs, while $322 to $391 is the range for part costs. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
Can I swap an alternator out on my own?
You can replace an alternator on your own in around two hours on average, however this may vary a little depending on your level of auto technician expertise. Timing may vary slightly and you might have to leave the car for the day if you bring your car to a shop to have the alternator replaced.
Dim or Overly Bright Lights
Your electronic gadgets receive erratic voltage when an alternator starts to fail. This typically manifests as under- or over-performing equipment, such as headlights that are either too dim or excessively bright. Additionally, you can see lights that erratically switch from bright to low and vice versa.
Dead Battery
A dead battery may occasionally just be a dead battery. After a few years of use, it has either reached the end of its lifespan or you may have unintentionally kept the headlights on all night. A dead battery may occasionally indicate a problem with your alternator, though.
When the engine is operating, a defective alternator won’t adequately charge the battery, resulting in a quicker than usual discharge of the charge. Jumpstarting the vehicle is one approach to determine if the problem is with the battery or alternator. If your car runs after being jumpstarted, your battery may need to be replaced shortly. If the car dies again soon after being jumpstarted, it may indicate that your alternator isn’t providing enough power to the battery.
Slow or Malfunctioning Accessories
Accessories that operate slowly or not at all are frequently a sign that your alternator isn’t providing enough power to your car’s electronics. You might have an alternator issue if you notice that your windows roll up or down more slowly than usual, if your seat warmers seem “off,” or even if your speedometer and other instruments start acting strangely.
If the alternator isn’t producing enough electricity, many modern cars feature a priority list of equipment that informs the onboard computer where to cut power first. In this manner, if your alternator fails while you’re on the road, your radio or other unnecessary equipment will continue to function before your headlights.
Trouble Starting or Frequent Stalling
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.
Growling or Whining Noises
There are many strange noises that cars make; some are harmless, while others may be signs of major technical issues. You should have your alternator checked properly by a professional right away if you ever hear growling or whining sounds coming from underneath the hood.
When the belt that rotates the alternator pulley falls out of alignment or rubs against the pulley’s side, a growling or whining sound is produced. If the bearings that spin the rotor shaft are failing, you can also hear this noise.
Smell of Burning Rubber or Wires
A burning rubber or wire stench could be a sign that your alternator’s components are beginning to wear out. The drive belt for the alternator may eventually wear down and give off a terrible burning rubber odor due to the constant tension and friction it experiences as well as its proximity to the hot engine.
Similar to an electrical fire, your alternator may smell burning if it is overworked or if it has frayed or damaged wiring. Wires in an overworked alternator heat up dangerously as a result of trying to force too much energy through them. In addition to creating resistance to the passage of power, damaged wires often heat up and smell bad.
Battery Warning Light on Dash
When the battery warning light appears on the dashboard, it’s frequently believed to indicate a problem with the battery. The battery warning light, however, suggests that there might be an issue with your car’s larger electrical system, which includes the alternator.
The normal operating voltage for alternators is between 13 and 14.5 volts. The battery warning light on your dash may come on if your alternator is malfunctioning because its voltage may fall below its maximum level. Similarly, depending on how much strain the alternator is under, the battery light may also come on if the alternator is operating above its voltage limit.
The alternator may fluctuate in and out of its intended voltage capacity depending on the electrical demand from your car’s accessories (headlights, wipers, radio, etc.), which might cause the battery warning light to flash on and off. Although it can seem like a minor inconvenience, it’s preferable to have your car inspected for alternators than to become stranded on the side of the road.
Does it make sense to replace an alternator?
If the alternator is broken, it is typically wiser to replace it totally. Even though they can be expensive, new ones are generally preferable than remanufactured or rebuilt alternatives. Since the mechanical components have a lot of miles on them, they most likely won’t last as long as a new one.
Check for a remanufactured or rebuilt alternator at your neighborhood auto parts store if you can’t afford a new one. If a mechanic is handling the installation, be sure they provide you a brand-new alternator rather than trying to save money by using a refurbished or rebuilt one.
A high-output alternator, which is more expensive, may be required for some vehicles with increased electrical needs, such as ambulances or vehicles with sizable, power-hungry sound systems.
Depending on the type of car, the cost of the parts varies widely, but it often falls between $150 and $300. An OEM alternator for a more recent Mercedes or Audi can easily cost close to $1,000 as more costly automobiles would typically demand more expensive parts.
Since certain alternators are simpler to access and require less time to work on, labor expenses also vary, but budget between $200 and $600 for the work.
Expect to shell out anything from $350 to $900 in total for an alternator replacement. In most circumstances, it will be less expensive to have an independent mechanic handle the work than a dealership.
What else needs to be changed when the alternator is replaced?
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 else needs to be changed in addition to the alternator?
Other improvements are important when changing an alternator. When changing an alternator in your automobile or truck, don’t forget to also replace the idler roller, tensioner, and serpentine belt.
Should I unplug the battery before changing the alternator?
Make careful to separate the negative battery line from your car before starting any work on replacing the alternator. This may sound like common sense, but it’s simple to overlook. Because the alternator is so important to an engine’s charging system, it is possible for harm to occur if any of the wires connected to it are disconnected while they are still a part of the car’s electrical circuit.
What equipment will I need to replace an alternator?
You’ll require the following equipment in addition to a replacement alternator:
- Ratchets, sockets, and wrenches are examples of hand tools.
- belt tensioning device
- safety equipment and gloves.
- If necessary, a memory protector or battery tender.
- If necessary, use a jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks.
How much is a brand-new alternator?
In general, a good alternator should cost between $130 and $250. Professionally reconditioned alternators are available at the low end of the pricing spectrum, while new alternators with higher amp ratings for contemporary automobiles are typically available at the high end.