OEM MOPAR Alternators Online

Alternators 101

What One is

It's one of three parts that make up the charging system in a vehicle. (The other two are the battery and a voltage regulator.)

What it Does

It turns mechanical energy into electrical energy -- more simply put, the movement of parts into electricity. The latter does everything from charge the vehicle's battery and power its dash lights and instrumentation to run the windows, electronics, steering system, and windshield wipers. It also helps keep other electrical systems working the way they're supposed to.

How it Works

As part of a process. It starts with the engine, which moves the serpentine belt and drive belts. They move a pulley, which moves a rotor shaft in turn, and this shaft spins a set of magnetic coils, producing a magnetic field. The resulting power, the voltage regulator manages.

The Signs One's Failing

As no alternator is permanent, it can go bad owing to everything from the obvious broken-down parts to a less-obvious overtightened belt. Installing incompatible accessories and jump-starting incorrectly can also lead to alternator failure. Although there may be little to no warning when that does happen, there are some symptoms you can look for. For instance:

• Car lighting and electronics may malfunction
• Battery and alternator warning lights may illuminate on the dash
• Your engine may start squeaking
• Your battery may die
• You may notice a burning odor around the battery or alternator
• You may notice an alternator fluid leak

You should inspect the vehicle's alternator if you see any such signs and follow up with an immediate test of its charging system generally. Replace any parts that the results recommend.

When to Change One Otherwise

Every 80,000 miles, or at most, every 150,000 miles. That's every 7 years or so. Review your owner's manual for complete info on what to do; it should contain a maintenance schedule on the subject.

How to Install a Replacement

This depends on what that owner's documentation says, not to mention what the manufacturer's instructions that come with your purchase say. Generally, though, the process is as follows.

1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Disconnect the wire or wires from the alternator. You may choose to label them to make where to reattach them easier to remember.
3. Move the tensioner pulley enough to detach the belt from the pulley. A wrench or socket wrench may be required to pull it back, depending on whether the tensioner has screws or a rod.
4. Remove the bolt or bolts connecting the alternator to the bracket, and remove the alternator.
5. Put on the new alternator, refasten the bolt(s), replace the belt on the pulley, reconnect the alternator wires, and reconnect the battery.

Before you order a new one, though, be sure it's the genuine article.

Why Buy Genuine OEM Alternators vs. Aftermarket?

They're designed compatible with your brand and model specifically, right off the Mopar factory line. Off-brands don't always make the same promise -- and even if they do, their alternators may not always be as reliable.

Where to Buy a Genuine Mopar Alternator

Here at our online auto parts store. We've got what you're looking for, and at a bottom line that's less expensive than elsewhere. For example, some stores charge retail prices or more for an alternator -- several hundreds of dollars, excluding taxes, fees, and pro installation, and that's just to start. Many of our alternators, however, are priced below MSRP -- oftentimes, well below it.

Ready to browse? All you have to do is select your make, model, and model year in our catalog. It's not only the fastest way to find what's compatible with what you drive. It's also the easiest. Buy now, and we'll ship your order fast, to any business or personal address in the US.

Of course, if you'd like to learn more about shipping, here are the details. First off, if your order is in stock, it can ship out in as few as 24 hours, sometimes fewer. If it's not, however, and it needs to be ordered from your brand, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 business days (and usually fewer than the latter). Secondly, we offer overnight shipping on orders that qualify. Our returns and cancellations policies, on the other hand, are just as straightforward: should you need to return an alternator or cancel your order altogether before it ships, it's no problem; just get in touch with our parts team. Be sure to consult our store policy pages for complete info.

Have questions about alternators generally? Maybe you're just looking for specific buying advice on a certain part number. In any case, feel free to contact us. One of our knowledgeable parts specialists will be happy to help.