How to Find an Alternator Repair Kit

An alternator repair kit lets you tackle the problem yourself.

A car's alternator is one of those equipment pieces that every DIY mechanic has to deal with at some point or another. If your electronics are shaky, you're losing power at odd times, and you can barely keep a charge on the battery, your options come in three varieties: Take the car to a mechanic (can be expensive), put a new one in yourself (also not cheap), or you can buy a repair kit and use your auto know-how to replace those bearing and brushes yourself. The internet has made auto parts easily accessible and to find the exact kit you need, you'll want to use the web.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with internet access
• Vehicle information (year, make, model, engine specs)
• Valid credit or debit card

Instructions

Find the Right Kit

1. Write down the general information for your car. This includes year, make, model, and any engine or drive specifications that would concern the alternator. Also have a general idea about what is actually wrong with the alternator so that finding the right kit will be easier.

2. Power up your PC and open your internet browser. Try a basic search for alternator repair kits. This will open up page after page of alternator repair kit providers. The trick here is to start filtering these websites by auto parts providers that you are familiar with or have quality ratings and reviews.

   If you have a standard company that provides your auto-parts (Napa, Advance, Autozone), try going directly to their website and locating their parts search page.

3. Enter your car's correct information into any prompted field. This will speed up a parts search and let you know if the particular company carries the kit you need. Write down the company, website, part ID, price and any other notes you wish to take on kits you find that match your car's information. Put this info aside as your first search group.

4. Try a search for alternator kits designed specifically for your car. For example, if you drive a 1996 Ford F150, search for "1996 Ford F150 alternator kit." This will bring up specific kits not located in your first search group. Filter these again by companies you're confortable with and take all relevant notes. This is your second search group.

5. Compare your notes from the first and second search group and pick the kit you'd like to buy based on pricing, reviews and personal preference. Chances are, there won't be many to choose from, but you will know all your options.

6. Access the website containing the kit you've decided is best for you and follow all instructions given to purchase the kit. Pay special attention to shipping vs. billing addresses, shipping costs, or any other factor that will add more time or money to your purchase. After your reasearch and purchase is complete, simply wait for your kit to arrive.

Tips & Warnings

• Many search engines will display a "shopping" section in their provided results that contains all products relevant to your search query. This makes searching and comparing products easier.

• If the product you find is best for you is provided by a company with a local branch, call the local retailer and ask if they have that piece in stock, which will dramatically cut down your wait time.

• Do not attempt to service an alternator or other auto part unless you have an solid understanding of how the part works and how to service it.

• Be mindful of credit card purchases online. Make sure the website is reputable and that your credit information is protected from fraud.

References

• Motor Trend: Used Car Specifications