How Much Does It Cost To Replace An Alternator? - WhoCanFixMyCar

If your car’s electrics aren’t working, the battery is flat, or the engine won’t start, there could be a problem with the alternator. Replacing it might not be cheap, but it’s necessary to keep your car working safely.

This guide explains how to spot the early signs of alternator failure and how the price of a replacement varies between car manufacturers.

How much does it cost to replace an alternator?

Typically, replacing an alternator costs between £250 and £800. The average price on FixMyCar is £535.05.

The price depends on the make and model of your car and the labour cost of replacing the part. Usually, you'll pay between £150 and £300 for the mechanic's time. Your location will impact this figure because the labour rate in cities tends to be higher than in rural areas and towns.

The final factor to consider is the price of the part itself. OEM parts are more expensive but also generally more reliable.

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Alternator replacement cost by make 

The table below shows how much an alternator replacement costs on average for different car makes.

Make	Average price
Audi	£628.59
BMW	£603.37
Citroen	£629.99
Ford	£494.90
Mercedes	£614.57
MINI	£549.36
Nissan	£482.06
Peugeot	£663.32
Renault	£587.78
Toyota	£448.38
Vauxhall	£477.93
Volkswagen	£507.07
Volvo	£539.62

Alternator replacement cost by model

The average prices for a selection of popular models are shown below. 

Model	Average price
Audi A3	£494.27
BMW 1 Series	£675.24
Ford Puma	£646.24
Kia Sportage	£513.74
Volkswagen Golf	£496.31
Nissan Juke	£540.71
Nissan Qashqai	£497.88

Are alternators expensive to replace?

Alternators are unfortunately one of the more expensive parts of a car to replace. The cost is around £500, depending on factors such as your car’s age, the quality and brand of the replacement part, and local garage prices.

How long does it take to replace an alternator?

If you get your alternator replaced at a reputable garage, it usually won’t take more than two and a half hours. It depends on where the alternator is located in the engine bay, how difficult it is to access, and whether new parts need ordering.

How does an alternator work?

Alternators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy that is stored in the battery. When switched on, your car powers a drive belt resting on a pulley attached to the alternator. 

The pulley turns the rotor shaft of the alternator, spinning a set of magnets inside a coil, which creates an alternating current (AC) in the stator. From there, the current is channelled into the alternator's rectifier, where the AC energy is converted into DC energy, activating the car's electrical systems.

Learn more about how alternators work in this guide.

Common signs of a faulty alternator 

• Overly dim or bright headlights

• A dead battery

• Smell of burning rubber

• Malfunctioning or slow accessories

• Trouble starting the engine

• Battery warning light

• Slow cranking when starting the car

This guide provides more advice about what to look out for.

How long do alternators last?

There’s no set amount of time that an alternator will last. It depends on various factors, including the quality of the part, your vehicle’s condition, and how much power the alternator provides.

Most alternators last between 80,000 and 150,000 miles.

Can you drive with a faulty alternator?

Your car will only work for a short time with a faulty alternator because the battery won’t be recharged as you drive along, and even if you give it a jump start, the same thing will happen again.

Think something is wrong with your alternator? FixMyCar can help you find a trustworthy garage for a repair.

Compare alternator repair and replacement pricesCar Repair Cost CalculatorOur free tool shows you the average cost of car repairs for your make and model.Check repair costs now

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