Do I Need A New Alternator?

[rick-l]

Originally Posted by AlfonsoR

If I understood corretly, I think what WWest and ISmitch are both saying that the alternator will function adequately as is, but due to the issue of one phase being out, relatively shortly down the road, it will fail. Correct?

When it (or the battery) fails it may also take out some expensive stuff with it. I wouldn't tow it home to fix it but I wouldn't ignore it long either.

[rick-l]

Originally Posted by big911fan

What bothers me is the number of posts that said they went through multiple alternators before they found a good one. Is there a reliable shop in Northern CA that I can ship mine off to for rebuild or a source for good ones?

The trouble I had in my search for a good one was the slip rings wear at an alarming rate and the first rebuilt I had they didn't replace them. It lasted a while but eventually caused problems.

[big911fan]

I bought the car about 8 months ago. I suspect it has been happening since I bought it. I noticed the dim light before but didn't think much about it since it's barely visible. Big mistake it seems. I'll assume I'm on "borrowed time" with this and get it fixed.

Just as an aside, alternator prices are all over the ball park. Anywhere from $200 rebuilt to $700+ new. Just checked with Auto Zone and they sell them for $330 and they carry a lifetime warranty. The others, including new ones, are usually 12 months/12 thousand.

With the return rate being so high, Auto Zone may be good insurance. I also found a rebuild shop in town that I want to check out. These posts have been informative to follow. Thanks.

[911pcars]

My suggestion is to have a good auto electrical shop rebuild yours. Cost should be <$200.

Autozone's price covers their cost to replace it should it fail. If it happens, you're covered except for the labor to R&R it.

Sherwood