We're going to answer all your questions about alternator replacement, repair, and the cost involved to do it yourself or have a pro handle it.

The diodes are the electronic part of the alternator that convert AC voltage to DC. Switch your multimeter to the lowest AC setting and reattach the test leads to the battery.

Did the repair shop confirm you had a failed alternator diode or is it mulling the possibility? Hat’s off to them for being heads-up, checking for applicable service bulletins as they did.

Now, if you happen to be a mechanic, you could take the alternator apart, pull out the dead diode bridge, order another one, replace it, and reassemble the alternator.

In operation, as the alternator’s rotor spins the magnetic poles change from north to south and as a result the current in the stator is constantly reversing direction, which produces ...