2009 Fit sport - alternator questions

[Kristi2k]

I’m at 111k miles and the alternator died. For the past 2 weeks when I start the car up in the morning, the battery light would come on, after 10-30 minutes, the light would go off. It got progressively worse. Yesterday while driving into a parking lot, I lost power steering, then ABS breaks. I parked, let it idle for a bit, the radio shut off (was off but the back light was on) and then the car chugged and died. Would not start back up.

Dealership said that the after market alternators don’t play well with 2010 and older models. OEM is $680 and after market is $360~ Does this sound right? The pessimist in me says that they are trying to push Honda parts but I did look up the OEM part (31100-RB0-004) and it is from $680-730).

Opinions on getting OEM vs non-OEM?

 

[someone16]

Another option is looking into rebuilding the alternator. May want to check to see if anyone in your area does it.

 

[Kristi2k]

That's a good option, I do think at this point I'm really just looking to see if what the dealer is saying is accurate or not at this point.

 

[mindless1]

I'd get a lifetime warranty, $265 Duralast Gold from Autozone.

https://www.autozone.com/batteries-...ast-gold-new-alternator-11410n/767550_55002_0

I'd pick local rebuilt as a distant 2nd unless they offer a long warranty, then a fair choice and probably cheaper.

I wouldn't believe the dealer for a second that aftermarket alternators don't "play well" unless they have a specific technical reason. Even then I'd be highly suspicious, if an aftermarket bolts on and works then all that remains is the lifespan.

 

[Kristi2k]

I'm debating that myself.... it's about 50/50 on opinions. I plan to keep this car for as long as possible as it's paid off. I'm going to install it with a friend and family member to save $$.

 

[Jimzz]

A new TYC 211410 Alternator is $160 plus shipping at www.rockauto.com

If the price was less than $50 difference then get OE. But in this case you can buy 3 new aftermarket ones and still come out ahead.
I've used TYC and not had any issues.

 

[EXCellR8]

The OEM part isn't made by Honda anyway... some are Denso and others are Mitsubishi AFAIK.

Just go aftermarket... no way I'd spend more than $200 on an alternator and I've owned 2 Fits

 

[Kristi2k]

I have the new alternator in and it's working great, so far. It's been a week. The hardest part was with the detention-er.

What can I do with the old one? Can I sell it and if so, for how much?

 

[EXCellR8]

If you ordered it online you may still be able to get a rebate if you send in the core (original part) so that it can be refurbished.

Otherwise, if it's bad, it isn't really worth anything... perhaps sell for salvage but we're talking short money.

 

[Paperdoc]

You did the right thing to get an aftermarket unit and save money. I really doubt the dealer's story! The old one? Depends on how you bought. IF you buy a REBUILT one, normally the seller tacks on a "core charge" which is refunded to you when you bring back the old one so they can rebuild that. If you just bought an aftermarket new one, there will be no refund available, so it is just junk. However, SOME scrap metal dealers will give you a small amount of $$ for the cooper content.

 

[Kristi2k]

I'll check with a local scrap lot see if they'd take it for the copper. I'll just put whatever it is towards my tool fund.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I'll check with a local scrap lot see if they'd take it for the copper. I'll just put whatever it is towards my tool fund.

Nonono - the old ones get rebuilt. Like axles.

Usually there's a core charge or deposit and you can return the old one to the seller for between $15 and $30.

 

[Kristi2k]

They said no on the core charge.

 

[EXCellR8]

Ironically, the alternator on my Impreza crapped out last week and I was left stranded after work; had to borrow a battery from a local shop in order to get home. Certainly the alternator since the battery is only a couple of years old and still tests good.

In this case, I opted for a Mitsubishi alternator, rebuilt by ACDelco. Reason being: they're rated far higher than refurbs and I can send in my OE alternator for the $65 rebate. I would have just bought an aftermarket but there weren't any close by and the rebuilt one was around the same price.

At least installation on this car is a breeze, 10 minutes tops.