Remanufactured Alternator VS New?

The rebuilds today are terrible, there is no quality control. Here lately it has got much worse out of every three alternators two of them either don’t work right out of the box or they fail the next day and that’s a comeback. I am slowly getting away for reman units. You may want to do the same.

Here’s the thing…EVERY single test I do shows that it is working but the OBD doesn’t agree. And this all began as soon as I installed the remanufactured part. Which is why I ask if anyone else has experienced this? It seems like the OBD does not like remanufactured parts it’s like it has to be new or something.

If your getting a warning that it is not working, then take it to a shop that knows how to test computer controlled charging systems, not a parts store, that should help in tracing down the actual problem. It could be anything from a weak diode to bad solder joints in the alternator.

Well I’ve taken the liberty of ordering one new (Carquest) and I can return the one I bought because I don’t want to take any more chances but it’ll be interesting to see what happens.

I gave up on NIPA and auto zoo long ago . I own a honda and a ford ranger because I can get the parts at a dealer ship close by .

Just like most of our parts, these come to us from off shore suppliers of various levels of quality. I don't know where you bought the alternator but I would give it back to them and ask for either a replacement or a refund depending on their store policies. The one you got should not be starting its life generating an error code. A refund would be best and would allow you to get another from a different source. Good luck and remember, all remanufactured items are not junk. They save many resources like castings and machined items that do not wear out.

Right, first check if the alternator is again the issue, and replace it with another reman. or new if the alt is in fact the problem. Engine running, probe the battery, you should have around 14V. which would mean a healthy alt.

When you buy a new alternator everything is brand spanking new. When you buy a remanufactured alternator you're buying something that has already failed and been turned back in to the store for the core charge. The store sends the broken alternator back to be remanufactured. That means the alternator is cleaned and tested. Only the bad parts of the alternator are replaced with new parts. Everything else stays in there. The alternator is then sold back to the store, who then sells ir to a customer like you. On a newer model I'd go with a new alternator. But on an older model a rebuild should be just fine. Hope that helps! Jim

Ok So… For those of you placing bets…The New alternator functions flawlessly (Carquest) And the Remanufactured alternator (AC Delco) is being returned at a slight loss with return shipping costs… I’m chalking this up to naivety but I’m certainly wiser now. Initially I was thinking that remanufactured meaning that everything has been gone through and tested and I see such is not the case as is evident by my findings and diagnostics, so from here on out I’m just going to go for new… Live and learn.