Hi,

I have a 2000 Maxima GLE I purchased new in 2000. The other day my battery went dead. I took it to Sears, and they did a Die-Hard diagnosis and said it showed a "bad alternator wave form." He told me I need to replace the alternator....$410!

1. What is a bad alternator wave form?
2. Why is this alternator so much? I've seen a Hitachi alternator for $80 online, and my boyfriend said he could replace it for me.

Thanks for any help.

 

Shop around. Personally, I think Sears mechanics are morons. have your boyfriend take off your old alternator and go to a decent parts store and I'm sure it will be a lot cheaper.

 

I think "morons" might be a bit strong, but I agree. Do not let them rape you for 410.00! The waveform that they're referring to is: your alternator should be outputting a DC signal, but if some components have gone bad in the alternator then you have some AC (sine wave) component in the DC.

All that to say...let your boy friend replace your alternator.

 

just replaced the altinator in my 01. it was $266.00 with a core charge. if 410 was the price for the part and labor, that might be right. it's tuff to get the altinator out. you can't see the bolt that attaches to the engine. and you have to take the radiator hose out of your way.

 

This may be one of those (really) unusual circumstances when it's actually cheaper to have it done at the dealer.

I wonder if Sears will do no-charge damage "mods" for you though. My dealer will scratch the car, leave stains on the leather, and go through my CD collection, all at NO additional charge to me!

Seriously though, I would check around on that one. That's a very high price for an alternator replacement.

 

Thanks to all of you for your help.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I live in the desert (Las Vegas). Does this change anything?

 

just that your battery WILL die every few years.
I live in Phoenix and I go through $150 optima batteries every 4 years. My gfriend goes through the $50 generic batteries every 2 years or so
the heat just kills them.

 

Thanks. I bought a DieHard Battery (Gold) for $80+ for 3 years. I guess next time I should by the Optima.

 

ne... only if you need it ... IE the cranking amps and a very high draw.
optima 4 years 150
die hard 3 years 80 ~107 for 4 years
other batteries are cheaper
though my optima was nice ... it was a Gel Cell so it never neede maintaining ... no adding of water etc.

 

maxiamdoll, if you find a cheaper price for the altinator than the one i stated. please post the price and location.

 

Okay....will do!

 

What is the average life of an alternator? Does it depend on miles, and the environment? I always thought they lasted at least 5-7 years...

 

Gosh, that's a lot, how many miles do you have on your car now, since I'm assuming you have high mileage on it.

 

I have 47,000 miles on the car now.

 

I, too, had to replace my Max2K alternator. It only cost me some $180 + labor. While the part has to be purchased from a dealer, the job can be done by a small shop (like Firestone, or alike), and such shops do get a discount when purchase parts from dealers, even if they buy just one piece at a time.

 

Just replaced the alternator on my girlfriend's Acura. Cost me 140.00 at NAPA, and I thought I was being raped. BTW hers went out at nearly 170,000.