An alternator generates the power needed to operate a vehicle's electrical system and to keep its battery charged. Dim lights, a whining noise or a dashboard warning light (typically shaped like a battery or saying "ALT") may indicate that the alternator is going out.
Typical costs:
An alternator produced by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer typically costs $100-$500 or more for just the aftermarket part, depending on the year, make and model of vehicle; and $250-$1,000 or more for one made by the vehicle manufacturer (called an OEM part). Less-expensive alternators may also be rebuilt or remanufactured (rebuilt at a factory).
Alternators for foreign vehicles are typically more expensive than those for domestic American cars, and parts for luxury vehicles are typically the most expensive. For example, RepairPal.com[1] estimates the typical cost of an alternator part for a 2008 Toyota Camry at $271-$649; or $995-$1,111 for a 2008 Lexus LS460.
On a vehicle where the alternator is located near the top of the engine, providing relatively easy access, replacing the alternator typically requires one to three hours of labor at about $50-$120 an hour, bringing typical total costs for parts and labor to $200-$600 for an aftermarket part or $300-$1,200 for an OEM alternator at a dealership.
If the vehicle's alternator is located deep inside the engine, requiring the disconnection and removal of many other parts to reach the alternator, replacing the alternator can take five to eight hours of labor at about $50-$120 an hour, bringing typical total costs for parts and labor to $400-$800 for an aftermarket part or $500-$1,800 for an OEM alternator installed at a car dealership.
For example, RepairPal.com[2] estimates that replacing an alternator on a 2008 Toyota Camry 2.4L 4 Cylinder costs $271-$649 for parts and $96-$122 labor in Sacramento, CA or $110-$141 labor in Trenton, NJ, for total costs of $364-$771; and for the same model car but with a 3.5L V6 engine, the part costs the same but labor is estimated at $336-$771, bringing total costs to $596-$1,077.
HowStuffWorks.com lists symptoms of alternator problems[3] .
Replacing an alternator requires disconnecting the battery, disconnecting the belts and wires attached to the alternator and removing the bolts that secure the alternator to the vehicle. On many cars this is a relatively straightforward process that takes a couple of hours of work. However, on a few cars the alternator is difficult to reach inside the engine, and requires removing multiple parts and wires before the alternator can be disconnected and removed. It all depends on the make and model of vehicle, and how it is put together.
AutoMD.com explains how to replace an alternator[4] , estimating that in general this a moderately complex project that takes about 2.1 hours.
Additional costs:
When replacing the alternator, it's a good idea to check the condition of the serpentine belt, which winds through the front of the engine in a snake-like manner, bringing power to the alternator and other accessories. If the serpentine belt is chipped or cracked and needs replacing, it can add $25-$75 or more to the total cost.
Shopping for an alternator:
Before replacing the alternator, make sure it is causing the problem. The Family Handyman magazine explains how to test the battery and alternator[5] to determine which one is not working properly.
Alternator replacement can be done at a car dealership, an independent repair shop, or car-repair chains like Pep Boys[6] or Sears[7] . Both the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[8] and the International Automotive Technicians Network[9] provide a searchable directory of repair shops.
Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[10] .
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
We were driving and the engine died -- the dashboard went dark, then the car started lurching. We thought it was the gas but after putting in a couple gallons it didn't start. We called AAA and they told us it was the alternator. They were able to start the car and followed us home. Then we called a couple of nearby shops to check prices and found a nearby gas station that had a reasonable quote and was available on a Saturday afternoon. Then we had AAA tow us there. The mechanic said the official Subaru alternator was $485 just for the part, but could find an OEM part for $190+90labor+75 for the diagnostic. The diagnostic was optional but we decided to do that too just to be safe in case the initial diagnosis was incorrect. A little disappointed that the engine would just die like that while driving on a car only 8 years old (under 100k miles).
Alternator is costing me $502 for parts and labor, my dad told me to go ahead and get taken care of, but others are saying I've been charged too much. I dont know if I am doing the right thing?
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
Radiologist Fee Paid: 350.00 Any radiologist reading your mammogram will be at least $350. They have 11-13 years of training after high school before they begin work. If they are not board certified, watch out. Most are and it beats getting cancer... [more]
DIY Ceiling Paid: 50.00 We bought a house with a cheap paint job. The ceilings were sprayed the same color as the walls. During COVID I painted the ceilings and a bathroom. A 120 square foot room took me about 4 hours (2 coats)... [more]
DIY vs Installed Small Deck Paid: 3000.00 We paid $1300 for materials and $1700 for labor on a 100 square foot composite deck plus a redwood gate. It took 30 hours, done last year. My husband built a 100 sf heart redwood deck for about $1000 in materials in 2019... [more]
Colposcopy with biopsy Paid: 756.00 This service was wayy to expensive in my opinion. For a 20-25 minute total visit I had to pay out of pocked 756 - 187 to OBGYN, 229 to pathologist, then 340$ for facility fee or the hospital. I don't even know what that charge was for... [more]
Bilateral Diagnostic Mammogram and Third Mammogram Paid: 1389.66 My 2021 bill, still in shock! Weill Cornell, in-network provider, billed my insurance $908 for a bilateral diagnostic mammogram, and $712 for a third mammogram one breast... [more]
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]