Hey guys. I went to replace the battery in my 1999 Lumina today with about 108,000 miles. I decided to take it to AutoZone and have the alternator tested as well because of the age and mileage. It tested bad, so my question is which brand is the best for a replacement part of this unit? I have it narrowed down to a Bosch from $189, or a Duralast Gold for $159. Do any of you have any experience with these brands? Thanks!
Alternator for a 1999 Chevy Lumina
- Thread starter Dan76
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Personally I prefer to repair my alternators at home. What was wrong with the old one? If they are rebuilt you don't want either one.
Originally Posted By: Dan76
Low output is what it came up on the meter. I'm not sure what failed internally. I did find it odd that the warning light never came on. I know the battery is way overdue, but it never failed to start until this morning.
Not sure if this relates but my honda civic had a bad battery went to the parts store to get it tested and a new battery it said my alt had low output. I used common sense and put a new battery In, they retested it with the new battery and it came back flawless.
They did the first test three times to verify it was consistent. Those tester leave a lot to be desired.
Low output is what it came up on the meter. I'm not sure what failed internally. I did find it odd that the warning light never came on. I know the battery is way overdue, but it never failed to start until this morning.
Not sure if this relates but my honda civic had a bad battery went to the parts store to get it tested and a new battery it said my alt had low output. I used common sense and put a new battery In, they retested it with the new battery and it came back flawless.
They did the first test three times to verify it was consistent. Those tester leave a lot to be desired.
Originally Posted By: ram_man
Originally Posted By: Dan76
Low output is what it came up on the meter. I'm not sure what failed internally. I did find it odd that the warning light never came on. I know the battery is way overdue, but it never failed to start until this morning.
Not sure if this relates but my honda civic had a bad battery went to the parts store to get it tested and a new battery it said my alt had low output. I used common sense and put a new battery In, they retested it with the new battery and it came back flawless.
They did the first test three times to verify it was consistent. Those tester leave a lot to be desired.
I thought about that. This battery is about 7 or 8 years old and was jump started to get to the AutoZone. I thought about replacing the battery and having it tested again, maybe at another location.
Originally Posted By: Dan76
Low output is what it came up on the meter. I'm not sure what failed internally. I did find it odd that the warning light never came on. I know the battery is way overdue, but it never failed to start until this morning.
Not sure if this relates but my honda civic had a bad battery went to the parts store to get it tested and a new battery it said my alt had low output. I used common sense and put a new battery In, they retested it with the new battery and it came back flawless.
They did the first test three times to verify it was consistent. Those tester leave a lot to be desired.
I thought about that. This battery is about 7 or 8 years old and was jump started to get to the AutoZone. I thought about replacing the battery and having it tested again, maybe at another location.
JHZR2
Staff member
If your battery is in poor enough shape to require a jump to drive the vehicle to the test, it cannot be removed from the running as a possible culprit. I'd change it first.
Buy the lifetime alternator at any auto parts store and be done with it. It's a 10 minute job to replace.
IF you really need one, I would just get the actual OEM supplier, Remy/Delphi's NEW one (NOT remanned), for likely LESS than the chains' price (even WITH shipping) from Rock Auto, or Amazon.
These also carry a lifetime warranty, as long as it's not used for a commercial purpose (taxi, delivery service, etc.).
These also carry a lifetime warranty, as long as it's not used for a commercial purpose (taxi, delivery service, etc.).
Why not remove it and take it to a local rebuild shop. Cost would be a lot less than a new or other rebuilt unit. Over the years have had good luck having this done and saved a bundle of cash too.
Originally Posted By: dailydriver
IF you really need one, I would just get the actual OEM supplier, Remy/Delphi's NEW one (NOT remanned), for likely LESS than the chains' price (even WITH shipping) from Rock Auto, or Amazon.
These also carry a lifetime warranty, as long as it's not used for a commercial purpose (taxi, delivery service, etc.).
I agree 100%. Rockauto prices cannot easily be beat even with shipping and the new part is always better than a questionable reman.
IF you really need one, I would just get the actual OEM supplier, Remy/Delphi's NEW one (NOT remanned), for likely LESS than the chains' price (even WITH shipping) from Rock Auto, or Amazon.
These also carry a lifetime warranty, as long as it's not used for a commercial purpose (taxi, delivery service, etc.).
I agree 100%. Rockauto prices cannot easily be beat even with shipping and the new part is always better than a questionable reman.
I would replace the battery and go to a rebuild shop and see what they have to say. If the people testing an alternator do not have an oscilloscope, they are amateurs.
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: dailydriver
IF you really need one, I would just get the actual OEM supplier, Remy/Delphi's NEW one (NOT remanned), for likely LESS than the chains' price (even WITH shipping) from Rock Auto, or Amazon.
These also carry a lifetime warranty, as long as it's not used for a commercial purpose (taxi, delivery service, etc.).
I agree 100%. Rockauto prices cannot easily be beat even with shipping and the new part is always better than a questionable reman.
You weren't kidding about that site. An AC Delco brand new unit on there is only $129. I will go that route if the alternator really does need replacing. Thanks!
Originally Posted By: dailydriver
IF you really need one, I would just get the actual OEM supplier, Remy/Delphi's NEW one (NOT remanned), for likely LESS than the chains' price (even WITH shipping) from Rock Auto, or Amazon.
These also carry a lifetime warranty, as long as it's not used for a commercial purpose (taxi, delivery service, etc.).
I agree 100%. Rockauto prices cannot easily be beat even with shipping and the new part is always better than a questionable reman.
You weren't kidding about that site. An AC Delco brand new unit on there is only $129. I will go that route if the alternator really does need replacing. Thanks!
Sometimes Amazon can really be a good place to look too. I got a brand new Bosch alternator for my 86 Monte Carlo SS for 60 bucks. I did have to "reclock" it though, but that is a very easy thing to do.
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