| Has your vehicle's alternator failed? Are you | | | | alternator. |
| absolutely certain that it isn't your battery | | | | |
| or starter? Determining which part has failed | | | | The next step, of course, is to determine |
| is essential toward avoiding unnecessarily | | | | whether you will replace the alternator |
| replacing something that hasn't failed, like | | | | yourself or have someone else do the job. |
| your battery. Let's take a look at some steps | | | | Some things to keep in mind as you weigh your |
| you can take to determine that your | | | | options include: |
| alternator, in fact, has bit the dust. | | | | |
| | | | If you trust your vehicle to a mechanic, what |
| If you own an alternator testing machine, you | | | | will the total cost of the work be including |
| can test to see whether your car's alternator | | | | the part and labor? Is there a guarantee? |
| is charging correctly. For most people this | | | | |
| isn't practical as few motorists own such an | | | | If you decide to do the work yourself, do you |
| expensive piece of equipment. For everyone | | | | have all the tools on hand to get the work |
| else, there is a practical way for you to | | | | done? Do you own a repair manual? Do you want |
| easily check to see if your alternator is | | | | to purchase a new alternator or will a |
| working properly: | | | | remanufactured unit suffice? |
| | | | |
| Connect a volt meter to your car's battery | | | | Your choices today are much greater than they |
| | | | were ten years ago, before internet shopping |
| Start your car | | | | became a strong factor in reigning in high |
| | | | auto parts prices. Several online |
| Observe the voltage output on the volt meter | | | | wholesalers, including the Auto Parts |
| so that you can make an accurate | | | | Warehouse, are in business to sell auto parts |
| determination. | | | | directly to you. Costs are generally much |
| | | | lower than local retail establishments and |
| If there is an increase in voltage when you | | | | parts are from well known manufacturers, |
| start your car, then your alternator is more | | | | names you can trust in the business. |
| than likely working just fine. Likely, you | | | | |
| battery is the culprit; check the battery | | | | Doing the work yourself can save you time and |
| itself and the connections to make a final | | | | money as well as give to you a sense of |
| determination. | | | | accomplishment. With a trusty repair manual |
| | | | at your side you can replace your vehicle's |
| If there is no increase in voltage, you are | | | | alternator quickly and accurately. |
| likely looking at having to replace your | | | | |