Automotive Alternator
The alternator in your car or truck provides electrical power to charge the battery and power the electrical system. The alternator is driven by a belt. Today, alternators also have a voltage regulator built into them and these can also be linked to the on-board computer systems on some vehicles. Alternators produce AC power.
Typical alternator is shown in the center of the picture.
Alternator History
While the first public demonstration of an “alternator system” happened in 1886, but widespread use of small alternators in automobiles didn’t happen until about 1960 when low cost solid-state diodes enabled car makers to use alternators instead of generators.
Signs Your Alternator Needs Replacement A few things can go wrong with an alternator. You’ll know it is time to replace the alternator if it makes an abnormal amount of noise which can be the bearings failing. If part of your electrical system fails, such as the radio going out, lights diming, door locks or defrosters not working then the alternator may not be supplying the power the system needs. If your battery isn’t getting enough power from the alternator and doesn’t charge, then it will not turn the starter. A properly functioning alternator should supply about 14 volts to the battery. If the battery is receiving less than 14 volts it is time to replace the alternator. Before replacing the alternator, check to be sure the drive belt is tight enough to turn the alternator. If it is loose, you might be able to simply tighten the belt and not replace the alternator.
Alternator Replacement Video
This video from a master mechanic details how to replace your alternator, including changing the belt pulleys which sometimes don’t match the original.
Where to Buy an Alternator
There are several things to consider when buying a replacement alternator online. You can choose new aftermarket, new OEM, used, or refurbished. There are also several payment options that can impact the amount you pay such as core charges and shipping charges. To give you an idea of the variances, on June 14th, 2009 we shopped online for a 130 amp alternator for a 1998 Ford F-150 with a 5.4L V8 engine. Here is what we found:
Used Alternator
To get a used price we went to:
• A-ABCO Fridley Recycled Auto Parts, located in the Greater Minneapolis, Minnesota area. They deliver anywhere in the U.S. Shipping charges are not indicated on their Web site. They have an F-150 alternator listed for $79.98
• Choice Auto Recyclers, located in Marinette, Wisconsin. Shipping charges are not indicated on their Web site. They have an F-150 alternator listed for $45.00
Refurbished Alternator
To get a refurbished price we went to:
• statRacing, located in the San Francisco Bay, California area. Shipping charges depend on your location. They have a remanufactured Bosch OEM F-150 alternator listed for $139.68 plus an $83.00 core charge which is refunded when you return your old alternator to them. Total up front price $222.68.
• Auto Parts Nerd, with no location provided. Shipping charges were included for all ground orders over $50. They have a remanufactured Beck/Arnley F-150 alternator listed for $151.78 plus a $50.00 core charge which is refunded when you return your old alternator to them. Total up front price $196.78.
New Aftermarket Alternator To get a price for a new alternator in the aftermarket (manufactured by a company other than the OEM) we went to:
• DB Electrical, located in Gray, TN. Shipping charges in the U.S. depend on method – from UPS Ground $18 to UPS Next day air $139. They have a new aftermarket F-150 alternator listed for $239.00.
• AM Autoparts, with no location provided. Shipping is included in the listed price. They have a new aftermarket F-150 alternator listed for $125.10.
New OEM Alternator
To get a price for a new OEM alternator we went to:
• Ford Parts Center, located in Blue Springs, MO. They list their shipping charge as “determined by a fair percentage of the purchase”. They list an OEM F-150 alternator for $158.59 plus a $75.00 core charge which is refunded when you return your old alternator to them. Total up front price $233.59.
• OE Parts HQ, located in Saint Louis, MO. Shipping is included in the listed price. They list an OEM F-150 alternator for $212.74.
Recommended Retailer
Our Recommended Retailer is PartsGeek with terrific selection and prices. They sell new and remanufactured F-150 alternator units from $46.95 to $137.95:
They carry most makes and models including these Ford F-150 Models:
2002 Ford F150 Alternator 4.2L V6 BBB Industries New/ See Note – Standard Cab Pickup
1998 Ford F150 Alternator 4.2L V6 BBB Industries New/ See Note
2000 Ford F150 Alternator 4.6L V8 WSO New
1994 Ford F150 XL Alternator 4.9L 6 Cyl BBB Industries New/ See Note
Parts listed on the Parts Avenue L.L.C. site are sold by other companies. Parts Avenue L.L.C. is not responsible for the availability, delivery, legal title, or condition of parts listed on our site. Any transactions are strictly between the buyer and the seller.
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