Why did my new alternator go bad?
Alternators put out alternating current, and the battery needs direct current to charge, so there is a voltage rectifier that converts it, and it can suddenly go bad, too. Dust and dirt can get into the alternator, and over time cause shorts or wear on the brushes.
When does an alternator fail on a new car?
So now, on a car bought brand-new, I’ve had two alternators either fail or show indications of imminent failure within around 40,000 miles or less. All of the vehicles I’ve owned before this one were bought with at least 90,000 miles on the odometer.
How long can a battery last without an alternator?
A good alternator and can last well over a decade, sometimes as long as 15 to 20 years. However, if an alternator does fail on you then you’ll know it fairly quickly as your electrical systems will fail soon afterwards. The charge in your battery does not last long without the alternator there to keep it running properly.
Can a car battery be drained by an alternator?
While you might initially think that any problems with electrical things like lights or radio not working are directly related to the battery, the alternator is actually where most of the power in your vehicle comes from. Consider that if you were to leave the lights of your car on overnight by the next day your battery might be drained completely.
Where can I get an alternator rebuilt for free?
In the US most rebuilt alternators have lifetime warranties on them, like ones from AutoZone, Checker, or O’Reilly’s this may be an avenue to at least get the parts for free. Changing out an alternator is usually not a huge issue (about 1 book hour but depends on the vehicle).
So now, on a car bought brand-new, I’ve had two alternators either fail or show indications of imminent failure within around 40,000 miles or less. All of the vehicles I’ve owned before this one were bought with at least 90,000 miles on the odometer.
What does it mean when your alternator stops charging the battery?
Indicator Light On. Usually, the first sign that your charging system is in trouble is a “battery,” “ALT,” or “CHARGE” warning light illuminating on your instrument panel while driving. It means that for some reason, the alternator has stopped charging the battery and your car is running on battery power.
Where can I buy a new alternator for my car?
If youre mechanically inclined, you can purchase a rebuild kit from Mitsubishi for less than the price of a questionable, parts store remanned unit and build it yourself.
How long does it take to install an alternator?
If you need to have it installed by the mechanic, then the price might be a bit higher. Depending on where your alternator is located within the compartment, the installation might only take an hour. But if the alternator is difficult to access, it might require removal of other parts and it could take many hours.