Hey guys,

My alternator just went out and I need it replaced The Acura dealer is quoting me $285.56 for 2.5hrs of labor and $293.80 for the part. Grand total: $579.36. Is this a ripoff or a reasonable price? Does it actually take 2.5hrs to replace the alternator? Please advise.

Thanks for your input!
Paul

 

The price sounds reasonable. You can try to find a better price on the alternator by going online or your local parts store. Also, did they include a new drive belt? You minus well have that changed (depending on how many miles you have) since your alternator is being changed out and the belt needs to be removed.


I know for labor it takes about 2 hours to change the alternator (experience from changing out alternators from Honda/Acura vehicles)

 

Thanks! I've been looking at some alternators online but the core fee is a hassle somewhat not to mention that I have to send it back at my cost. Do you think they'll install an aftermarket alternator?

The belt is not included in the cost. Any idea on how much those run for? I'm being lazy...

Lastly, could I negotiate with the Service manager for a lower price? I know situations vary but just wondering if dealerships are open to this sort of thing...

Thanks again,
Paul

 

No. No. & No.

 

Doesn't hurt to ask. Especially if you are a loyal and regular customer at this dealership. Who knows they might knock $50 off the labor and that buys you 3/4 a tank of gas, right?? All they can say is no..........

 

I would not suggest putting an aftermarket alternator on this car. You can have anyone put it on, but it's common to see them fail quickly or right out of the box. Denso is what the car came with...Bosch is junk. Labor time should be around 1.5 hours...try a Honda dealer.

 

I am surprised a new OEM alternator is less than $300. I would say it is reasonable for an Acura dealer with a loaner. I would not want to sit around a shop for 2+ hours. It is straightforward job and you could find a better deal elsewhere.

 

I just looked up the procedure and it doesn't look too bad; remove 3 engine covers, drive belt, condenser fan, radiator fan control unit, radiator reservoir and then the alternator. A shadetree mechanic should be able to complete this task in 2 hours.

 

Just looked up the part for a 2009 as I may have to this job myself:

1 06311-RGW-505RM ALTERNATOR, CORE ID (104210-5920 9764219-592) (RMD) (DENSO)1 $406.33 $304.75



1 31100-RGW-A01 ALTERNATOR ASSY. (CSF92) (DENSO) $541.80 $406.35

 

Here's the 2008 info, a bit less expensive:

Just looked up the part for a 2008:
1 06311-RJA-505RM ALTERNATOR (RMD) CORE ID 9764219-469 104210-46901 $293.80 $220.35
1 31100-RJA-A02 ALTERNATOR ASSY. (CSD69) (DENSO) $446.25 $334.69

It looks like they quoted you the msrp of a re-manufactured unit. Not cool.

 

There is nothing mysterious about replacing an alternator that makes it a required trip to the dealer. However, it is usually a large part surrounded by small gaps, and it takes time to remove the extra "stuff" in the way. Anyone can do it, but the customer service in the event of an issue is what you are paying for.

 

Rockauto is 150 for denso after core. It's pretty easy to change

 

You just have to have the time, tools, place to do it and a little know - how. If you don't have this combination of things then you let your wallet take care of things at the dealer or indie shop.

 

You could always try to negotiate for a discount. If you don't ask, you won't get it for sure. Check the dealership's website, they sometimes have 10% on there. Could also check with Honda dealer as others have suggested.
I recently had my T-Belt/WPump/accy belt/tensioner/coolant replaced at a Honda dealer replaced for $830. Negotiated myself out of paying $34 shop fees. Every little bit helps.

 

If you do it yourself you can take it in and get it rebuilt by an alternator shop pretty cheap. The local guys I deal with can do it while you wait sometimes and take pride in their work.

 

I think I may have this in my near future. Battery is showing 13.99/98 with the alternator running. I think it should be 14.2 or higher. I can get a dense reman for 165 plus core charge. Doesn't seem too bad, but as always, it's a tight space.

 

Might as well.do pcd install while at it.

 

What's "pcd"? I do plan on changing the drive belt.

 

Pre-cat delete = PCD

 

I dont think its my alternator, its putting out 13.98-14.07 at idle and almost 13.3 @1500 rpms. Also doesnt move much with brights on. I think my battery is going...it reads about 12.1-12.2 after sitting about 10 hrs. Battery is from 2/10. Every 30 days or so, car cranks but wont start on first try. Always starts on second try. I mainly drive the car 20 mins 2x per day, which probably isnt enough to give it a full charge. Almost 5 years for an acura battery id say is pretty good. They want $85 for a new one, not too bad.