Alternator gone - 2000 Accent

declanoneill

The Alternator in my car has gone (at least I think it has). I was talking to someone who said they can be "reconditioned", that it's a matter of simply removing it, sending it to a specialist shop, it comes back and you put it in the car. Is it that simple? Anywhere in Dublin that does it?

franksm

Normally you'd be buying a reconditioned unit on exchange, so you turn up, hand them your broken alternator, they check that they have a similar one in stock (they are fairly generic items) and then give you the reconditioned one.

Not sure where you'd get it in Dublin as I mainly know Belfast, but you could try Ashgrove Interparts in Dun Laoghaire, and Tallaght Autoparts on the Belgard road. The latter are very good and quite cheap.

"gone" usually means the red-light on the dash is glowing dimly or fully-lit. Guess you've already checked that the alternator/fan belt is ok ? A failing battery can also be the problem. The true way to determine which is at fault is to measure the output of the alternator - but I'm not sure if it's just a matter of reading the battery with a voltmeter...

maidhc

A healthy alternator should normally be outputting about 13v. Most of them you can measure easily by putting a voltmeter between the output of the alternator and the casing.

Esel

Myles Balfe in Broadstone, Phibsborough Rd (near Fire Station) is who you want. Alternators, generators, batteries is pretty much all they do. Should be able to sort you out on the spot.

Think they have a place on the south side as well. Check phone book or Golden Pages.

declanoneill

Just got quoted €250 by Myles Balfe for yanking mine out and putting in another, does this sound reasonable?

maidhc

No!

I don't know how much work is required in getting at the alternator in the Honda, but it shouldn't really cost more than €100 for an exchange unit.

Esel

declanoneill wrote:

Just got quoted €250 by Myles Balfe for yanking mine out and putting in another, does this sound reasonable?

I haven't had occasion to use them for years, but that price does seem steep.

You'd be well advised to get two or three more quotes. Be sure to compare like with like though. You might get a cheaper quote from someone who won't guarantee the unit, or charge you for labour if it has to be replaced within the guarantee period. AFAIK, Balfe gives a good guarantee. Factor this is when comparing quotes.

[edit] Also, good idea to check the cost of the unit itself so you know how much you are being charged for labour.

Best of luck.

declanoneill

Thanks for the advice all.