Get the Best Priced Nissan Altima Alternator

The Nissan Altima began life as a runt of a medium-size sedan, but soon grew into a spacious midsize family car. There have been five Altima generations so far, with the third generation making the jump to adult dimensions. The Altima is one of those special cars that is actually fun to drive, and its evolution in features, finesse, and fuel economy have kept it at the head of its class. In addition to an engine that handles like a dream, the Nissan boasts one of the most luxurious cabins in its class, offering high-quality materials, tight construction, comfortable seats and driver-friendly controls. The Altima does all the little things right, and goes the extra mile with its rewarding driving dynamics and high-end cabin.

The Nissan Altima's alternator transforms the mechanical energy of the engine's rotating crankshaft into electricity. Wires inside the alternator cut through a magnetic field, inducing an electrical current that provides the power needed to start the car, and to keeps the battery fully charged. Since the alternator supplies the vehicle's electrical needs, when it begins to lose its strength, so do the accessories that draw on that electricity. Drivers may experience erratic symptoms ranging from dimming or brightening headlights, to speedometers that stop working for no reason. Other accessories, like heated seats, will probably be the first to shut down. Auto manufacturers have a sort of preprogrammed priority list, based on the safety of the driver and passengers, for which parts get the electricity when an alternator problem arises.

What should do if I suspect an alternator problem?

Lift the hood to inspect the serpentine belt. A quick visual check for excessive wear and other age issues can give an indication of a future problem. Also, check the tension of the belt. It requires the proper tension to run the alternator correctly. Too much tension is just as bad as not enough. Then check the pulley. If it is not in correct alignment with the belt, a growling or whining noise will let you know there's a problem. An out-of-alignment pulley will cause more friction on the belt, creating heat and subsequently the smell of burning rubber. A car that won't start is an obvious sign of a problem in the starting system. Turn the key and all you get is a ticking sound. It is probably a dead battery, but the question remains, How did it die?

How can I tell if the problem is a dead battery or a dead alternator?

Simply jump-start the car and then remove the cables as quickly as possible. Then wait. If the alternator is failing to charge the system, the car will soon die again and, having diagnosed the problem, your next step is an inspection by a trusted mechanic. However, if the car runs and continues to run, then it's likely the problem is with the battery.

What is a Nissan Altima Alternator's replacement cost?

The average price to replace an alternator with a remanufactured one is $400. The price of a new alternator can run from $500 to $1,000. The price range for remanufactured Nissan Altima Alternators from PartsGeek ranges from $86 to $123.