Alternator problems? Looking for a new alternator?
Have you ever experienced dim or overly bright lights, battery going dead often, trouble starting your engine or sometimes stalling, growling, or whining noises, smell of burning rubber or wires, battery warning light on your vehicle's dashboard? The problem may be related to a faulty or failing alternator.
What does an alternator do?
A car alternator supplies your vehicle's electrical system with direct current (DC) power. Your alternator is also responsible for charging your car battery while driving. The alternator works by turning mechanical energy into electrical energy. When your engine is on, it powers a drive belt that rests on a pulley attached to the alternator. Alternators connect to battery, voltage regulator, ignition battery/switch, spark plug, dash battery light, crankshaft with the help of drive belt, and various other parts which help in running your vehicle's engine, and use of wipers, power windows which use electrical energy to function.
Alternators working with the serpentine belt, a long, snaking, winding belt, it takes mechanical energy, to generate electricity, and send it to the motor, recharging the battery. The alternator keeps your power steering pump, air conditioning, and in some cases, your water pump, running smoothly and effectively.
Important parts of the alternator include pulleys, housing and bearing cases to protect and seal the rotor, stators, voltage regulators and rectifiers, starter solenoids and foot switches, alternator connectors, alternator rectifiers, bridge rectifiers, pulleys and clutch pulleys, alternator insulators, and belts.
NAPA carries a wide supply of alternator repair kits, brush generator kits, alternator condensers, and bracket clamps. Alternator repair kits include heavy duty regulators and bridge rectifiers, long life brushes.
How does a starter and starter solenoid work?
The starter motor in your car is a crucial part of the ignition of your car. Inside the starter motor is an electromagnet that is engaged when you turn the ignition switch. A gear is pushed forward which combines with the flywheel or flexplate attached to the crankshaft, which turns over and, there you go! Your engine should start. But if you have turned your key in the ignition and hear only clicking, and you know your battery is charged, the problem could be your car's starter motor or the starter solenoid. NAPA supplies OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), new, and remanufactured starter motors and starter solenoids for cars.
Is a new starter better than a remanufactured one?
Remanufactured starters and solenoids have been disassembled, inspected, and all the worn-down elements replaced with new ones. They are then rebuilt to factory standards and inspected again before being sent back to the consumer. Remanufactured starter units are competitively priced and sometimes carry comparable warranties to OEM new models.
Whichever option you choose, NAPA will provide an array of options, price points, trustworthy and well-known brands such as Bosch, Denso, and Wilson. Whatever you drive, Honda Accord, Ford F-150, or Toyota Tundra, you can stop your starter issues at NAPA.
How much does a starter and starter solenoid cost?
Starter solenoids sold separately from the starter itself can range anywhere from $20 - $150, depending on the starter it is for. New starters can start at around $300 and go all the way up to $800 and depending on the application, reman units are priced similarly. NAPA offers a wide array of warrantied starters and solenoids from trusted brand names like Bosch, Denso and Echlin.
