car died on freeway
08-22-2006, 05:45 PM
#16
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Yeah, my radio went first in my 325i. Since the car has 145kmiles on it I didn't think much of it. I was on my way to Kragen for 20w 50, IIRC. Stopped out front. When I got back in to fire it up, no dice. Engine wouldn't turn over, nothing. Bought a battery from Kragen and it fired right up. Batterty light on my instrument panel stayed lit. Kragen guy tested and told me I needed a new batter. Had my indy put a new alternator in. Good as new. I was so lucky to have stopped at Kragen otherwise I would've had to have had it towed.
08-22-2006, 05:52 PM
#17
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Originally Posted by 95 C4 993
Rebuilt Alternator-$517.00, Labor $240. Had it done at Auto Werksatt in Manhatten Beach. Total $800 with taxes.
Part # 964603156AX
Part # 964603156AX
08-22-2006, 05:53 PM
#18
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speaking of towing: AAA is ****. i was charged $10 per mile after the first 5 miles. basically, the regular AAA membership is crap. you can upgrade to a "plus" membership for $40 more, and that will include 100 miles towing for free rather than 5. to be honest though, i think i am done with AAA.
08-22-2006, 06:51 PM
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The alternator is $231 w/ free shipping from Pelican which is where I got mine after I was left stranded. You will also need the 10mm triple square tool (about $12 for a set of them from the local auto parts place). Its not that bad DIY if you follow the pcar directions. I did end up having to replace my relatively new battery because it would not hold a charge.
08-22-2006, 07:39 PM
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That's was I suspected. Batteries, especially car batteries, do not like to go through full cycles of charge/discharge. They seem to lose the ability to hold full charges if they run down basically all the way. In your case, I bet your battery was pretty close to fully discharged at the end.
However, they may be able to charge it on a bench and check its ability to hold the charge. Otherwise, an autoparts store can check it for you.
However, they may be able to charge it on a bench and check its ability to hold the charge. Otherwise, an autoparts store can check it for you.
08-22-2006, 08:12 PM
#26
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Originally Posted by gonzilla
$517.00 is way high, methinks. Auto Werkstatt is right down the street from me (although I've never taken my car there). They occassionally have some cool cars in there, but their shop is a little cramped and there's stuff lying all over the place. Don't think I'll be getting anything done there in the near future if they're charging that much for a rebuilt alternator.
I have no affliation with the comapny but they did about $3000 in work on my car with the previous owner-30k tune up, brakes, pads and some other misc. stuff.
My bad for the mistake on the alternator.
08-22-2006, 09:05 PM
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so, in the end, it cost $618 (out the door including tax) and i didn't need a new battery (thank god). i'm glad this crisis is ended with the car back on the road the same day! thanks for the support :-)
08-23-2006, 01:15 AM
#28
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mborkow: glad to hear you're back on the road the same day! I would be grateful to know who did the work for you, since I am headed for the same breakdown, sooner or later.
08-23-2006, 04:15 AM
#29
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Just out of curiosity, what mileage ranges are people experiencing before their alternators went out? Seeing if this might be a pre-emptive maintenance item...trying to avoid the inevitable. Thanks!
