How do I know if my Subaru alternator is bad?

Can I drive with a faulty alternator?

Driving around with a bad alternator isn’t a smart idea; as damaged or broken alternators can cause a wide range of problems. They can interfere with your car’s electrical features, make it harder to start the engine, and even cause the battery to drain entirely, leaving you with an utterly unresponsive vehicle.

What happens if alternator fails while driving?

What happens when alternator stops working while driving? The car tends to slowly lose power if the alternator has gone bad while the car is being driven. You’ll notice the headlights start to dim shortly before the car loses power and dies.

How much does it cost to replace a Subaru alternator?

It takes about 2 hours for an alternator replacement — about as long as a driveline repair and a little quicker than a clutch repair. The estimated price for parts (including a replacement belt) can range around $290 – $600. And depending on where you get the auto service, labor can cost between $85 to $800.

Is it worth fixing the alternator?

Alternator issues won’t go away on their own. They’ll need to get fixed eventually, and if you wait too long, the issues might become more serious, leading to more expensive repairs and higher bills for you to pay. If you get the issue fixed early on, the repair will usually be much simpler and cheaper.

How much is a labor cost to put on an alternator in a car?

It usually takes two to three hours to replace an alternator. Depending on the mechanic’s hourly fee, that’s about $200 in labor costs. If you use OEM parts, you can expect to pay between $200 and $350 for a new alternator. If you don’t mind using aftermarket parts, you could pay between $100 to $200 for a new part.

How much should it cost to replace my alternator?

Alternators can average anywhere from $100 to $350, depending on the model. In most cases, costs will average between $350−400 for the alternator replacement if no other parts need to be changed. Add another $20 to $50 to your bill if the serpentine belt has to be replaced as well.

How long does it take a mechanic to replace an alternator?

Replacing an alternator will take a professional about two hours. However, that doesn’t mean your car will only be at the shop for two hours—there may be a wait before a mechanic can address your ride.

Do I need a new battery after replacing alternator?

While you have to disconnect the battery from the engine, you do not have to replace the battery when replacing the alternator. Alternators typically have a lifespan between seven and ten years, while batteries last between three and four.

What can damage an alternator?

Do alternators fail suddenly?

Alternators can go bad suddenly, or slowly over time. If your alternator is slowly going bad over time there are some warning signs you can look out for.

What is the most common cause of alternator failure?

One of the most common problems you’re likely to experience with an alternator is a failure in the bearings. There are needle bearings in the alternator that allow the rotor to freely spin inside the housing, and those bearings can break down over time as a result of exposure to heat and dirt.

How do you tell if it’s the battery or alternator?

Jumpstart your car. If you can turn the engine on, but it dies shortly thereafter, your car alternator likely isn’t able to charge the battery. On the other hand, if you jumpstart the car and later on it fails to start on its own, it’s likely a dead battery.