Are all Subaru alternators the same?

Category: automotive auto parts
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don't quote me on this, but if I remember correctly, pretty much all subaru alternators are interchangeable. I remember people running outback alternators as well. don't quote me on this, but if I remember correctly, pretty much all subaru alternators are interchangeable.



Moreover, are Subaru alternators interchangeable?

You can probely take any alternator out of a subaru and fit it into yours. Just make sure the plug connection are the same so you don't have to cut to change the plug in your car.

Likewise, how much does a Subaru alternator cost? Subaru Outback Alternator Repair costs $414 on average.
Car Service Estimate
2017 Subaru OutbackH4-2.5L Service typeAlternator Repair Estimate$1058.97
2012 Subaru OutbackH6-3.6L Service typeAlternator Repair Estimate$635.35
2008 Subaru OutbackH6-3.0L Service typeAlternator Repair Estimate$714.45

Hereof, how long does a Subaru alternator last?

about seven years

Can you drive without alternator?

25 miles should be fine. Theoretically, on an older car, you can drive forever once the engine is running, you'll just be without any electrical amenities in the vehicle. Newer cars are much more reliant on the battery/charging system, and many won't even stay running with a dead battery.

24 Related Question Answers Found

What does a bad alternator sound like?

If you're hearing a grinding sound in your car, this could indicate that the alternator is going bad. The grinding sound may be caused by a worn-out bearing. If you hear any type of whining or grinding sound that's a good indication that your alternator needs to be checked.

Why do alternators fail?

Bad diodes are a common cause of alternator failure. The diodes are part of the rectifier assembly that converts the alternator's AC output to DC. A leaky diode also can allow current to drain out of the battery through the alternator when the vehicle is not being driven.

Can you drive a car with a bad alternator?

When an alternator is going bad, the battery drains quickly. If the alternator is going or has gone bad, in most cases the vehicle can be driven for a short distance and for a short period of time, allowing you to make it to a service station or automotive parts store for a replacement alternator.

What are the signs your alternator is going out?

Six Alternator Warning Signs:
  1. Dim lights. The alternator is part of the electrical system of your vehicle.
  2. Warning light. Most modern cars have a dashboard warning light that alerts you when the alternator is on the fritz.
  3. Weak or dead battery.
  4. Weird smells.
  5. Odd sounds.
  6. Visual cues.

What are signs of bad alternator?


Symptoms of a Damaged or Failing Alternator
  • Difficulty Starting/Runs Rough.
  • Degrading Performance of Electrical Components.
  • Growling or Whining Noise.
  • Smell of Burning Rubber.
  • Warning Light.

What happens when an alternator goes out while driving?

If the problem is a bad alternator, your car will slowly lose power. You'll be driving down the road, your lights will dim, and you'll lose power and die. Once the alternator stops working, so do all of the electrical systems required to keep a car going. Other problems can also cause a car to not start.

Can you fix an alternator?

Repairing a Defective Alternator
You can either repair it yourself or take it to a repair shop. Alternator repair isn't too hard, but you will definitely need a serpentine belt diagram so that you can put it back on correctly.

How much is an alternator at a junkyard?

This is especially true if you buy an alternator from a junk yard, which is one of the main sources for used parts. Expect to pay upwards of $50 for a used alternator.

Do you have to replace battery when replacing alternator?

It is seldom required to change the alternator when you change the battery. If you can start the car, drive it to the nearest auto parts store, and have them check the battery. If the battery is bad, change it. If it's not bad, then there is another different problem which MIGHT just be the alternator.

How much is a alternator at AutoZone?


Tell Us What You Drive and We'll Tell You if it Fits.
Price: $ 169.99
Core: Rebuilding these items helps to reduce product cost as well as aid in recycling efforts which helps the environment. When the old part is returned to AutoZone, we refund the core charge to you. $ 25.00
Total: $ 194.99

How can I test my alternator?

Check the battery first.
  1. Turn off the car.
  2. Open the hood.
  3. Connect the voltmeter to the battery.
  4. Read the voltmeter.
  5. If the battery doesn't have enough voltage, either get the battery charged and re-test or try a different method for checking the alternator.

How do you know if its a battery or alternator?

Signs of a Bad Alternator
Some of the things to look for are no-starting and trouble starting, dimming lights and problems with stereo system output. If your car starts but stalls when you're underway, your battery is probably not being recharged due to a faulty alternator.

How many years do car batteries last?

Under these conditions, you can probably expect your car battery life to be about six years. On average, a car battery lasts between two and five years. If you live in the northern United States, your car battery lifespan will be longer, because you're in a cold climate.

What tools do I need to change a alternator?


Tools for Removing an Alternator
  1. Wrench and Socket Set. The alternator is bolted in place on the engine block.
  2. Ratchet or Breaker Bar. The alternator is powered by the car's drive belt, and the belt usually needs to be removed to remove the alternator.
  3. Pen and Paper.
  4. Labels.
  5. Extra Car.

How much is an alternator for a Subaru Forester?

Our Alternator OEM and aftermarket parts range from $131.99 to $375.99 for the Subaru Forester.

What does an alternator do?

All cars with an internal combustion engine except for some hybrids have an alternator. When an engine is running, the alternator charges the battery and supplies additional electric power for the vehicle electrical systems. An alternator is bolted to the engine and is driven by a serpentine belt (drive belt).