So I did some searches and found out that my alternator is bad. I let a valet drive it and when he brought it back the oil pressure, add coolant, and recharge battery were all on. Does anyone know the advs/disadvs between having it rebuilt and getting a brand new one. Also, who can rebuild it? I can pull it out and put it back in myself I guess.

 

Why do you assume the alternator is bad? Because a valet drove it? Have it tested first before you go spending money you don't have to. See what it's putting out. I think it's AutoZone that has one of those carts that they'll wheel out to your car and test it for free.
A competent shop will be able to make an even better diagnosis. I can think of several things causing the problem besides a bad alternator.

 

JConn, if all the dash lights are lighting up, 99% chance it IS the alternator. It could also be something as simple as the alternator belt snapped (in which case the alternator is still good, but not turning).

Csefiroth0, I PMed ya btw.

~Ramy

 

The belt is not the alternator, is it? Point is, test the system before you go replacing parts ***** nilly.

 

Symantics lol. It's the alternator (system). And I did mention to check the belt, both in this thread as well as in my PM to him

 

i think u need to find out what the valet did..did u check the mileage before and after he drove it?

 

+1 Always check the mileage before and after you drop it off with anyone.

 

+2. Not only check and document the mileage IN FRONT OF THEM (so they know you'll be checking), but also run around the car w/ them and show them the car has no dings, scratches etc. And if you have a PFC, set the rev limiter to 2K rpm. That always helps a LOT. Kinda takes the fun outa joyriding when you can only go 20mph hehe

 

Lol!

 

well hopefully he would have noticed if the belt snapped, check the airpump, waterpump, and alt pulleys, check the voltage on ur battery, is it draining? then you would want to check all your grounds

 

A rebuilt alternator is just as good as a new one. Steer clear of the parts houses when having them checked....most of those guys don't know how to properly test them anyway. And it could be something simple that will only cost you 5-10 bucks to fix yourself, or 40-50 at a auto electric professional. In any case, the parts houses will just try and sell you a new alternator.....which is always just a rebuilt but will cost you alot more to replace the entire unit.

Don't go to a mechanic either...usally they just take it to the auto electic guys and have them fix it, t hen they mark up the price. An auto electric pro should be able to test it while it's still on the car, and they usually don't charge for this as it only takes about 20 seconds.

 

There ya go. Good advice. And, if you don't know what you're doing, take to someone who does. There is a diagnostic process outlined in the service manual which is available on this forum for download, and it doesn't tell you to replace your alternator right away if your light goes on. There's more to it than that.

 

Just got my alternator tested and it turned out to be bad. Can't really blame the valet for that. I don't know who will sell me only the core so that I can rebuild it, so i guess im going with WorldWide alternator from Discount Auto for 220 bucks. Thanks for all your posts guys.

 

For about the same price, you can turn in your bad alternator to Mazda (to avoid the core charge) and get a new one...