Hey guys,
Took my car to a mechanic for regular inspection. He told me the alternator and the battery health isn't good. Both will have to be replaced anytime soon. Here are the readings from his notes:

Battery Voltage - 12.33 volts
Load tested at : 300 CA, voltage drops to 8.40 volts
Alternator Output at: 12.35 volts with 45Amps

Any idea how much life those parts have remaining?
Do I need to replace both at a time?

Any inputs welcome.

Thanks.

 

Maybe days...? Why wait?

Replace the alternator now before you're left stranded on the side of the road.

If your stereo turns off for no reason, or your clock gets dimmer and dimmer, than it's only a matter of miles before she dies...

 

This...

If you're in a financial bind and can't get it done right away, drive with nothing turned on. No radio, no a/c, rear window defroster, etc. Avoid driving at night so you don't have to use your lights. This will get you by for a short period of time, but the alternator can quit charging completely at any time now.

 

So do I need to get the battery also replaced at the same time or just alternator is ok?
I remember replacing battery last time when it was completely dead.

Any specific brand recommended? I am seeing it starting from around $75(on ebay) going to $180 at Autozone and OEMs are just out of range prices.

 

I would do Autozone Lifetime Warranty and plenty of stores to swap with if need be, you doing the work or your mechanic....

 

I got my lifetime alternator from O'Reillys, and so far, so good.

The last alternator on my car came from Advance, with a 1 year warranty. It lasted a year and a half before it took a shat.

 

If you can't replace them both at the same time, I would do the alternator first. That way you can drive the car with the lights and everything. But don't wait too long before you replace the battery, it may die faster with a good alternator pumping more amps into it.

 

I was looking at replacing my alternator as well.
Deciding if I should get the 100a or 110a.
I have stock radio and speakers.....

What is the amps on the OEM alternator?

Rockauto has 3 new ones ranging from $100 - $153 for 100A....

 

Rods,
I don't plan on a mechanic shop, probably bug you guys else find someone off craigslist.

@T_Behr904,
I have read many people complaining alternators within 3 months or a year. I have this car for more than 6 years and no issues and not sure if it was ever replaced before.
I wonder why do the new ones break so easily?
DennisMik,
I think I will do the alternator first. I just wanted to make sure, low battery won't cause any issue for new alternator.

@Justaguy,
I have read that in California, I will need 110amps one.

 

Take note that Maximas with fog lights and Bose usually got the upgraded alternator....
if you don't have either then 100 amps should do.

But then why skimp? Is the price differential that significant?

 

I got a new Bosch, 125a from Amazon for $135 a couple of months ago. Model is AL2365N.