What Does an Alternator Do?

February 15th, 2019 by

Alternator in engine

What does an alternator do? Driven by the serpentine belt, it works to send power to the car’s electrical system while the car is running. Despite what many drivers believe, the battery is only used to start your vehicle while the alternator is what actually powers it. Using gas as its energy source, the alternator functions as a generator. For more alternator information, turn to the service center at Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues.

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Common Alternator Problems

Are you worried your alternator is on its last leg? If you’re seeing any of these symptoms, make a trip to Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues near Orange Park:

  • Battery warning light appearing on the dashboard
  • Dim headlights or interior lights
  • Burning rubber smell under the hood
  • Devices not charging
  • Whining or screeching sound after the vehicle has started
  • Unable to start

Failing Alternator vs. Battery

It’s common for drivers to confuse a failing battery with a failing alternator. The easiest way to distinguish between the two is to wait until the vehicle is unable to start and needs a jump. Then go ahead and jump-start the engine, and remove the jumper cables after it starts. If your vehicle dies right away, the problem could be with your alternator. To have a certified technician take a look, schedule a service appointment at Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues near St. Augustine.

How Long Does an Alternator Last?

Most alternators last between 80,000 and 150,000 miles, or about seven years. Though there are some conditions which can cause an alternator to wear out quicker, such as:

  • Alternator quality
  • Driving conditions
  • Power drain on the alternator

How Much Does it Cost to Replace an Alternator?

It is impossible to give an exact cost to replace an alternator since different cars require different alternators. However, you can call Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues for a free quote at (877) 394-5614. We carry alternators that are designed for your particular Honda vehicle, and our technicians can tell you how much is an alternator for your car. On top of that, our certified technicians have the training and expertise to install the part correctly.

Visit Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues for a New Alternator

If you’re planning to replace your alternator yourself, check with the Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues parts department to purchase a high-quality factory part. We can help you find everything from an alternator to Honda batteries at a sensible price, as well as keep you up to date on your Honda CR-V maintenance schedule, and Honda Accord service. Contact us at with any questions or stop by our service center near Fernandina Beach!

Service Specials at Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues

Road Trip Special
$184.82*

Includes:
Oil Change, Rotate & Balance, Engine Air Filter, 4-Wheel Alignment, Washer Solvent Refill, Wiper Inserts, & Multi-Point Inspection

*Plus tax and any applicable fees. Up to 5 qt of oil. Must present coupon at time of service write-up. Some makes and modes may be an additional cost. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Stop by today and get an oil and filter change plus much more for only $184.82 in Jacksonville, FL, at Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues, serving customers from St. Augustine, Northeast Florida, and the First Coast.

Coupon price value for Honda and Acura vehicles only.
We Sell Tires
Buy 3 get 1 Free!*
  • Huge Selection In Stock
  • Competitve Pricing
  • Road Hazard Warranty
  • Free Rotations
  • Free Alignment Check

Save on tires at Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues, serving customers from St. Augustine, Northeast Florida and the First Coast.

*On select tires with purchase of 5 year alignment package.
Engine Light Diagonstic
FREE* with repair of vehicle valued at $105

*No cash value. Must present coupon at time of service write-up. One coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. See advisor for complete details.

For a limited time, get an engine light diagnostic for free with repair of vehicle valued at $105 in Jacksonville, FL, at Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues, serving customers from St. Augustine, Northeast Florida and the First Coast.

Payment Plan Options Available

Ask your service advisor for details.

Get great rates and financing at Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues, serving customers from St. Augustine, Northeast Florida and the First Coast.
Full Synthetic Oil and Filter Change
$45.95*
  • Replace oil up to 5 quarts
  • Install genuine Honda oil filter
  • Multi-point inspection
  • Inspect tires and adjust pressures
  • Check and correct all fluid levels

*Plus tax, supplies and environmental fees. Diesel extra. Some models may be higher. No cash value. Must present coupon when service order is written. One coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offers. See dealer for complete details.

Right now, you can score a full synthetic oil and filter change for just $45.95 in Jacksonville, FL, at Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues, serving customers from St. Augustine, Northeast Florida and the First Coast.
Ladies Day Special Every Wednesday

Free Tire Rotation w/oil change plus 5% OFF Any other recommended service*

*Plus tax and applicable fees. Must present coupon at time of service write-up. Some makes and models may be additional cost. Cannot be combined with other offers. Discount not applicable towards oil and filter changed, tires, and batteries.

Coupon price value for Honda and Acura vehicles only.
Military Discount
10% Off* Service & Repairs. Thank you for your service!

All Month Long We Honor Those Who Serve

*No cash value. Must present coupon when service order is written. Max discount $150. Excludes oil changes, tires and batteries. One coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer does not include tire service. See dealer for complete details.

For a limited time, military members can save 10% off service and repairs in Jacksonville, FL, at Lou Sobh's Honda of the Avenues, serving customers from St. Augustine, Northeast Florida and the First Coast.
5% Senior Discount

On any service!

*No cash value. Must present coupon when service order is written. Max discount $150. Excludes oil changes, tires and batteries. One coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer does not include tire service. See dealer for complete details.

For a limited time, military members can save 10% off service and repairs in Jacksonville, FL, at Lou Sobh’s Honda of the Avenues, serving customers from St. Augustine, Northeast Florida, and the First Coast.

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    What does an alternator do? Driven by the serpentine belt, it works to send power to the car’s electrical system while the car is running. Despite what many drivers believe, the battery is only used to start your vehicle while the alternator is what actually powers it. Using gas as its energy source, the alternator…

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