How can I maintain my alternator?

Question

I am having to have my alternator changed for the second time in a year. It's a Saturn 2001 SL1 sedan. The first time it died while I was on the road. At least this time I caught it going out before my car stopped in the road. Could it be something I'm doing, though? I know almost nothing about cars and the shops don't explain things well. I thought maybe I'm not maintaining something correctly or mis-using something and that is why this has happened.

I am having to have my alternator changed for the second time in a year. It's a Saturn 2001 SL1 sedan. The first time it died while I was on the road. At least this time I caught it going out before my car stopped in the road. Could it be something I'm doing, though? I know almost nothing about cars and the shops don't explain things well. I thought maybe I'm not maintaining something correctly or mis-using something and that is why this has happened.

To add to this, my battery was changed last year. The shop my car is at now will be replacing the thing under warranty. Just thought it was my fault but from what everyone is saying it sounds like bad luck possibly mixed with a mediocre quality part to begin with.

Answer 1

There really isn't any maintenance that is done on an alternator. They do eventually wear out.

However, the majority of alternators usually come with a minimum of a 1 year warranty. (Check the warranty that the mechanic should have given you when you first had it replaced) If it has been under a year, your mechanic should replace the alternator at the cost of his labor.

I recommend purchasing an alternator from a parts store like Autozone, they typically have many levels of warranties they sell with an alternator. I recommend getting the life time warranty alternator. If the alternator ever breaks down again, all you have to do is take in the old alternator and they will give you a new one at no additional cost. (You'll just pay for installation if you don't do it yourself) The lifetime warrantied alternators also seem to be better built/reconditioned than those with only a 1 year warranty.

Answer 2

Other than making sure all plugs are plugged in, and all wires are tight, there is no maintenance that gets done to an alternator, it either works or it doesn't. Do check to see if there was a warranty on the first one though, it may save you a little money. Yes, I've installed brand new ones and had them fail. It happens.

Answer 3

There is really no one way to maintain an alternator.
What you should do though, is test the alternator that is supposedly bad to make sure that it really is a bad alternator and not some other problem, such as a bad connection. Also get an original equipment alternator and have it put on by a good technician.

Answer 4

There really isnt any maintence to do for an alternator. Just sounds like some bad luck. I just changed one in my mothers car, the new one lasted about 2 weeks then went again, just bad luck.

Answer 5

Alternators do not require maintenance. Try this next time you are in your car when it is dark outside. Start you car and see if your lights in and outside dim. Also if your radio is not that loud. Your battery might be your problem. Are there corrosion on the post, are your cables lose. Also your belt could be lose.

This has happened to me before and friends. I we have bought parts before and put them on and they were bad.

Answer 6

alternators do not require any "maintenance." but most of them do come with warranties so since yours failed within a year i would say that it should be replaced under some kinda warranty.

just make sure to buy a quality replacement, and get your warranty in writing.

Answer 7

i shall impart my wisdom to you...rebuilt starters and alternators are CRAP.... the price is 1/3 to 1/2 off for a reason.....and rebuilt is different from remanufactured...rebuilt replaces worn out pts where as remanufactured does most parts....most use foreign [china] parts even if they are rebuilt here in the USA.. when installing Dont over tighten the belt...it can wear the bearings in the alt...make sure battery ahd wires are tight and clean..

Answer 8

could be another underlying problem there are relay switches that should shut the power off to you alternator when you fully charged.Your alternator probably isnt sutting down like it should causing it to burn out have a diagnostic test done this will tell you the exact problem

Answer 9

It was probably made in China.

Other than adjusting belt tension there isn't much you can do. You can find shops that will rebuild them, and if you do have proper tools you can buy kits to rebuild them yourself.