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How Long Can Car Alternator Last Normally?


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#1
andlfloh

Posted 18 February 2016 - 09:30 AM

andlfloh

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I bought a new battery for my Proton Satria car recently and within two weeks I could not start the car. The sound was a flat zzzzzzzzzz. I guessed that either the starter or the alternator was faulty. On checking with the battery shop, which recharged the battery, the chap told me that the battery was not being charged - using a battery tester - saying that my alternator had malfunctioned. 

 

I was using a used Japanese imported Mitsubishi alternator which had lasted about 3 years. It was bought in 2013. In the year 2013 I had the awful experience of having to change 3 alternators while travelling outstation mostly to KL. 

 

How long can a car alternator last ? Does overheating a car by running at 130 - 150 Km per hr damages the alternator (which is very hot to the touch)?

 

I used to travel a lot outstation up to end of 2012, but from 2013 I have seldom gone outstation (which is why the Mitsubishi alternator lasted some 3 years). 

 

Please share your experience of similar problems with your car alternators. Thank you.



#2
vr2turbo

Posted 18 February 2016 - 11:20 PM

vr2turbo

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Original alternators last quite a few years. Usually the diodes give way or the carbon finishes. There are also recon alternators and alternators from half cut shops.

Basically original last the longest but cost the most. Good recon ones can last between one to three years and if lucky maybe even four to five years. For half cut ones all depends on the alternator was cut from what car. I have tried and some last only weeks.