Car Alternator Problems, Here are the Service Costs and Car Alternator Prices
The alternator is a component in a car engine that functions as a power generator and distributes electricity to electronic components. If the alternator is damaged, the power supply to the car can be disrupted.
As a result, the car may have difficulty starting or even stall if the damage is severe. Inevitably, you will need to replace the alternator with a new one. So, how much does a car alternator cost?
Signs of a Car Alternator Starting to Have Problems
Before discussing the price of the alternator further, it’s good to understand some signs that the alternator's function is starting to be disturbed. Here are some of the signs:
1. The battery indicator light is on
One easy way to detect damage to the alternator is to look for the battery indicator light that is on. This sign indicates a failure in the car's electrical system.
2. Dimming or overly bright headlights
The headlights will appear dim if the power supply from the alternator weakens. This sign is also the easiest to notice if there is damage to the car's alternator.
There are also other signs that indicate the headlights are too bright compared to usual. This condition is commonly referred to as overcharge. It means that the output voltage is above 15 volts, causing the battery to heat up quickly, and the headlights may flicker when the engine is revved.
3. The battery drains quickly
Have you ever experienced difficulty starting your car in the morning? It should be noted that a damaged alternator can hinder the battery from charging properly. This is because the power needed by the car becomes unbalanced if the alternator is faulty. As a result, the battery will drain quickly even if it has been replaced with a new one.
4. A squeaking sound is heard
A problematic alternator is marked by a squeaking sound coming from under the hood. This sound is caused by certain components slipping.
5. A burnt smell
Another sign of alternator damage is a burnt smell. This condition can be caused by the engine working too hard because the alternator is not functioning properly.
In fact, car alternators are classified as components that are not easily damaged. The lifespan of an alternator can function well for up to five years. Beyond that, its function will decline.
If while driving you notice the five signs of a damaged alternator mentioned earlier, the damage may be caused by several factors as follows.
1. The use of electronic accessories that consume a lot of power, thus becoming a burden on energy consumption.
2. There are broken or loose parts in the alternator, such as the rectifier diode or IC regulator. This can weaken the car's electrical system.
3. The output energy of the alternator does not meet standards (the voltage is too high).
4. The contact between the carbon brush and the rotor slip rings is no longer adequate. This causes the electric current to the rotor coil in the alternator to be obstructed.
Service costs and car alternator prices
The only way to repair a damaged alternator is to take it to a trusted workshop. Unless you understand car electrical systems and can fix it yourself.
The inspection will be conducted through voltage levels, corrosion, and the percentage of damage to the alternator. If the damage is relatively minor, it may only require repairs.
The cost to be paid depends on the type of car and the level of damage itself. However, generally for MPV and sedan cars, it ranges from Rp200,000 to Rp300,000 excluding the replacement of parts that cannot be repaired anymore.
Speaking of alternator prices, they vary depending on the type of car and the model of the alternator. Some have built-in IC (regulator inside) and older alternator models with external regulators. The price of car alternators ranges from around Rp700,000 to Rp8 million, the most expensive for European-made cars.
