Hello everyone,
I probably have an alternator issue because when I have the SUV fired up, my battery voltage drops to 11. 6volts.
I read that it takes about 5 hours to replace the alternator because the whole front passenger side suspension has to be removed to have access to the alternator. I call a dealership to get a price and they told me that it was 1.6 hours of labor and $700.00 for the alternator. I can get a rebuilt alternator for way cheaper then that and do the work myself.
What I am wondering is if anyone has instructions on how to replace the alternator without having to remove the front suspension.

Thanks.

 

What engine do you have?
When posting for help, please post year, model, engine size.

 

If you have a V8, then the RF axle has to be removed. Labor rate is about 4 hours. It can be done in 1 to 1.5 hours. But since you have an 03, you don't have a V8. The 2.5T labor is 2.0 hours and the T6 is 3.3.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I do have the T6. Does that mean that the front end has to be removed as well or can it be done from overhead? I would imagine that you got 3.3 from Vadis, why would the dealer tell me 1.6? I told him to recheck and he got insulted.
Is there a "How To..." somewhere for this? I am tried of spending money on this car. I just replaced the cluster last week.

Thanks

 

VADIS and VIDA do not provide labor times. I get the 3.3 from AllData, which is a standardized time guide.

Some dealerships also use a work order dispatching program that may have labor times in it as well. These are often incomplete and sometimes incorrect. If you were quoted 1.6 and they will do it for 1.6, that's a bargain. It should pay 3.3 hours. It takes 45 minutes or so for a pro. If you are doing it yourself, I would not expect to be done in anywhere near 45 minutes.

Nothing from the suspension has to be removed. I'm not sure where you heard that.