Q: How much to replace an alternator

asked by on December 11, 2016

Battery keeps draining in cold weather and not started for 2 3 days

My car has 46000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. The symptoms you describe are more commonly associated with a bad battery. If a battery is old or worn it may not be able to hold a charge, which will result in a no start condition once the battery runs low. This is magnified in cold weather, where temperature plays a role in the amount of effort required to start the engine. Similar symptoms can be caused by a faulty alternator as well, though I would start by verifying that the battery is in good condition before deciding to replace the alternator. If you are unsure I would recommend having a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to diagnose the exact cause of the no start condition.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

DSC Fault System warning light.
The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system on your vehicle uses a number of inputs to be able to perform its duties. The most common cause of the DSC fault light showing up is a low vehicle battery or a bad...
Car won't shift out of Park
One of the more common reasons I have come across as to why your Chevy will not shift out of park is the brake light switch failing. It is natural to ask why the brake light would prevent your Chevy...
wat is the cost to repair, engine oil pressure
Hello. This is a common problem on this engine. The most common cause is a problem with the seal on the oil pump pick up. The seal goes bad and allows the oil to aerate causing low pressure. It can...
Ther is a clicking noise in the steering wheel - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
You have many different components in the steering that could be causing the clicking noise. You should have a mechanic inspect the noise and verify the cause of the problem is not making the vehicle unsafe to drive. There is...
My truck will not start - 2005 Ford Expedition
The starter on the truck may have burned out from the repeated jumping of the weak battery. This will cause the voltage to the starter to be low and overheat the starter when you try to turn it over multiple...
Starting Issues - 2007 Nissan Frontier
Hey there. If you have confirmed that you have spark, then this by default should be related to a fuel supply problem. Since you have replaced the fuel pump, you may want to also check the fuel pressure to be...
Found one black pipe detached when I opened the hood.
Hi there. The black pipe on your engine is the air intake tube. There are two different tubes. On tube goes to the air box where the engine air filter sits in. The other tube goes to a resonating chamber...
No Acceleration in reverse gear, what could be the problem? 2001 pontiac firebird 3.8l v6
This is caused by an internal pressure leak to the reverse band or the band is slipping from excessive wear. Try having your transmission serviced and make sure fluid if full to see if it helps.
My MDX has 107K miles, what major service is needed, if any?
There is no scheduled, or Acura recommended, 100,000 maintenance service interval for your vehicle. Instead, virtually all maintenance required for your vehicle is tracked by the vehicle computer (a "maintenance minder" system) and reported, using letter and number codes, via...

Related articles

5 Essential Things to Know About Driving in Bad Weather
Knowing how to drive in bad weather will help you stay safe. Drive slowly, brake early, and prepare for black ice to drive safely in bad weather.
How to Live in Your Car for a Short Time
So So you’ve just moved to a new city and your apartment won’t be ready for a month. Or maybe it’s summer break and you just haven’t been able to find a place. Or you want to see what it’s...
How to Check Tire Pressure When It's Cold Outside
Car tire pressure changes depending on the outside temperature. Check your tire pressure in cold weather to improve car efficiency and performance.