2003 Sedona alternator problems

[Steve1234]

Found this forum, searching around on advice on my alternator on my Sedona.

This minivan is a TANK - nothing stops it. Its great in the snow, and I've had relatively little problems with it. Minor issues that aren't really anything to cry about.

Except recently, when the alternator failed. It has 65000 miles on it, and the dealer quoted me over $700 to replace. After searching all over, it looks like its more labor than anything else, you have to pull the entire front end off literally. I've replaced alternators before in my older cars, but this looks like something I may not want to get my feet wet in.

Am I whining, or should I just suck it up and pay? Just seems a bit excessive.

[Raven1210]

inky changed his and i think it took him a couple of hours. Plus you well have to recharge you a/c because you well have to disconnect it. Someone said on here midas charges $200.00 plus altenator.

[Steve1234]

Originally Posted by Raven1210

inky changed his and i think it took him a couple of hours. Plus you well have to recharge you a/c because you well have to disconnect it. Someone said on here midas charges $200.00 plus altenator.

Thanks, Raven. I think I saw inky's post - I'm a little confused, though, because I had read that there was a LOT of disassembly involved. I don't want to screw around with the AC system, even though I'm certified in commercial refrigeration/air conditioning. Car AC is an entirely different animal. I can understand if the $700 includes removal/recovery of the refrigerant, complete evacuation and recharge - thats not an easy task.

I priced the alternator at a few local suppliers and found it to be around the $200-250 mark. Then there's the service tech saying they have to "program" the alternator - thats a new one on me. But then again, I haven't changed an alternator in over 10 years, so I'm sure the technology has changed.

[Raven1210]

to program a alternator thats b/s i would check other places

[Steve1234]

Originally Posted by Raven1210

to program a alternator thats b/s i would check other places

I agree. Unless he was talking about reprogramming any electronics that may have been affected by the bad alternator. (Warning lights galore were on, so I don't know what is necessary to reset these.)

Unfortunately, I'm on a time schedule, so shopping around isn't an option. I already took it to one local repair shop (not dealer) and they refused to work on it. By the time I took it to other places and spent $$$$ on diagnostic fees, I would've had it done at the dealer.

[Raven1210]

they well reset once the battery is unplugged for 5 minutes.

[Steve1234]

As a postscript, I decided to give the service manager a call. Although Kia won't do anything, he said he'll definitely work with me on the price as a goodwill gesture. I'm well within the time limit on the car - when I had an old Chrysler minivan, they also did something similiar. So maybe all hope isn't lost.

I'll keep you all posted.

[Inky]

As Raven mentioned, I did change mine. Here's the how-to if you want to take a gander at it: http://www.kia-forums.com/do-yoursel...tml#post162938.

It only cost ~$100 for the AC evacuation, leak test, and recharge.

As far as programming the alternator, I've never heard of that. The only thing you need to do is make sure the battery is fully charged before starting the vehicle after the job is done.

[Steve1234]

Thanks, Inky. Yours was the first post I found when I searched for "alternator". Very good reading, wish I had stumbled upon it earlier. Unfortunately, time is of the essence here and I'm stuck between a rock and hard place. Hopefully the dealer will come through.

[Inky]

All in all, DIY on this isn't that difficult but it is does take a couple of hours and is a bit messy. Hopefully the dealer won't charge too much. The cost of the alternator and AC recharge is unavoidable either way. Let us know how it works out.