Replacing a car's alternator can cost about $350 to $1,500 or more, depending on the type of car and the alternator's location within the engine bay and how easy it is to access. If your alternator is on the fritz, here’s what to know about replacing it.

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Alex Black, chief marketing officer of car history provider EpicVIN, estimated that the average alternator replacement cost is about $350 to $750. The parts can cost $150 to $250, and a repair shop will charge $200 to $500 for labor.

Some cars have higher-priced parts. And Black said newer cars with smaller engine bays can have much higher labor costs because accessing the alternator is a more delicate and complex task.

German car specialist Alan Gelfand, owner of the service center German Car Depot in Hollywood, Florida, said he has seen higher alternator replacement costs for Porsches, Audis, BMWs, Mercedes, Mini Coopers, Volkswagens, and Land Rovers that come through his shop.

German Car Depot typically charges $700 to $1,500 for alternator replacements. The parts account for $350 to $850, and labor costs can run from $250 to $650. Volkswagens are often at the low end of these ranges, while BMWs and Audis can cost more. Higher-end German cars can have more complex electrical systems and components to navigate when accessing the alternator, Gelfand explained.

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Unexpected car repairs, like an alternator replacement, never seem to happen at a good time. The good news is that you have several options when it comes to financing a new alternator:

1. Pay for it out of your savings. A high-yield savings account is a great savings tool that can allow you to be financially prepared when an unexpected vehicle repair comes along. Here are the 10 best high-yield savings accounts for you to consider.

2. Utilize a 0% APR credit card. You can avoid paying interest for up to 21 months with the best 0% APR credit cards for 2025.

3. Consider a personal loan. Auto repairs are one of seven common reasons to borrow a personal loan. This versatile funding option usually has lower interest rates than credit cards.

4. Determine whether your auto insurance will cover the cost. If your alternator was damaged in an accident or weather event, your insurance could pay for the repair, but only if you have the right coverage.

Car insurance only covers alternator replacements when an accident or other problem covered by insurance causes the damage. For example, if you crash into something and the alternator is damaged, the repair would be covered by your collision insurance. If your car is damaged by flood water, comprehensive insurance would pay to replace the affected parts. You’d have to pay your deductible toward repairs before insurance starts to pay.

If you have mechanical breakdown car insurance, it would pay if the alternator had a mechanical failure, but not if the problem is due to normal wear and tear.

An alternator that fails due to normal wear and tear is not covered by auto insurance. However, your vehicle's factory or extended warranty may help pay for an alternator replacement, depending on the circumstances.

The alternator is the car's built-in power source that works like a generator, said Gelfand. The vehicle's power system begins with the battery, which sends electricity to the car's starter. Once idling, the engine sends rotational mechanical energy to the alternator. The alternator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is used to recharge the battery and power electrical components such as headlights, entertainment systems, seat warmers, and more.

Alternators can last 80,000 to 150,000 miles, or eight to 15 years if you drive 10,000 miles per year.

A malfunctioning alternator can cause the car's electrical components to falter. Black said you may experience weird electrical quirks, or the car may shut down without warning. Gelfand agreed, noting these specific signs that your car's alternator may be failing:

1. Dimming or flickering headlights

2. Battery warning light on the dash

3. Windows slowing down

4. Radio cutting out

5. A strange whining or grinding sound under the hood

6. A hot, burnt-rubber smell

A dead battery can also indicate a malfunctioning alternator. If the alternator is not charging the battery, the car will have trouble starting or will not start at all.

If you can get the car started with a failing alternator, it may run temporarily. But eventually, Gelfand said, an otherwise operational vehicle will die again without a functional alternator.

Replacing an alternator can be a big job, especially on newer vehicles. Challenges highlighted by Black and Gelfand include small engine compartments and inconvenient alternator placement that requires handling delicate components.

Some alternators are located near the front, top area of the engine compartment. But they can also be situated near the bottom of the engine or bolted to the side. The less accessible the alternator, the bigger the job of replacing it.

There are small fixes that can correct alternator-related problems, such as:

1. Replacing a loose or broken alternator belt

2. Tightening loose connections

3. Replacing a faulty voltage regulator that's not built into the alternator

If these repairs do not resolve the issue, then you likely need to replace the alternator instead of repairing it. Depending on the age and complexity of the vehicle, an alternator replacement could be a do-it-yourself job if you are handy and have the right tools, Black said.

Amy Danise and Tim Manni edited this article.