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