Newbie - Couple Questions

[Gizmo42]

If yours was built 98 - 3/98 then its 70 amp, 4/98 - 7/98 is 90 amp, 7/98 - on is also 90 amp but a different part number.

[tahusker]

Took the car into the shop . . . not a dealership, but a place close to work that someone I know recommended. They have been testing the alternator and can't duplicate the "dummy light" issues or confirm that the alternator is bad (everything tests ok). With that said, though, they said that the symptoms do tend to point to an alternator that is starting to fail.

They are telling me that a replacement is $400 (for the alternator itself--not including labor). Based on the feedback here, that seems double the price to expect. Needless to say, I won't be having them replace it. I might just try doing it myself.

How hard is it to replace an alternator on a '98 (for a novice)??? I remember replacing them on some much older cars, but it's looking like it's nowhere near that easy on the Passport.

[Ramblin Fever]

Unfortunately, you ARE looking to spend $200-300 for a good alternator; $400 should include labor costs, I would think anyway.

If you're paying less then $150 for the alternator, it wasn't meant to be in the truck - I only say this because Isuzu's are volt picky and will eat up a cheap rebuilt alternator in nothing flat.

[Ramblin Fever]

Forgot to add, I have the '97 3.2L with 166k miles; I'm on my 3rd timing belt set, i.e. waterpump, belt, tensioner, pulley, camshaft/crankshaft seals (2nd set for those) - cost of replacement for all of this from my mechanic $1,103

But this included ALL new belts, hoses, radiator flush, ATF fluid/filter change, and a starter that went out around the same time, along with all of the above items.

When my waterpump croaked last February with 152k miles on the clock, shedding the cost for replacement on all of it was a no-brainer for me. This has been the most reliable vehicle we have owned, and paid it off 3 yrs ago.

There are numerous owners who are well over the 200k mark and still doing very good.

Biggest thing in these trucks, is keep the cooling system up to par - don't allow that engine to EVER get too hot (i.e. get on that waterpump replacement), and within the next year, if you haven't done so already, get ALL of your coolant hoses changed out, not just the big upper & lower.

Perfect time for that, is when the shop has the front all torn down for timing belt, waterpump, etc and make ABSOLUTE certain they replace the timing belt tensioner - this is the weakest link to this system, and an old one will fail on a new belt in a matter of days.

Other very important thing is to change your ATF every 30k at the MOST - these trannies are very tempermental if ran on low or dirty fluid.

[tahusker]

Thanks, RF!

The shop is doing the water pump and timing belt (including tensioner, serpentine belt, cam/crank seals, etc) as we speak. So that is going to be all taken care of by tomorrow. The tranny was just serviced recently, so I think I am good there . . . but will make sure I get it done every 30k max based on your advice. I'll call in the morning and see if they can change out the hoses while they are at it.

The owner of the shop definintely said that the alternator itself was $400 for the part (not including the labor . . . it was going to be almost $600 installed). I'll still plan on getting a good replacement per the recommendations here . . . but $600 sounded a bit high all-in.

Very much appreciate your feedback and the comments from all others here. Glad I found this site! I really like this SUV and hope to keep driving it for at least a few more years. The cost of regular maintenance far outweighs taking on a new car payment.

[tahusker]

Originally Posted by Ramblin Fever

Forgot to add, I have the '97 3.2L with 166k miles; I'm on my 3rd timing belt set, i.e. waterpump, belt, tensioner, pulley, camshaft/crankshaft seals (2nd set for those) - cost of replacement for all of this from my mechanic $1,103

But this included ALL new belts, hoses, radiator flush, ATF fluid/filter change, and a starter that went out around the same time, along with all of the above items.

Wow . . . all that for $1,100??? Any chance your mechanic is in Denver?

[Ramblin Fever]

Just outside of Denver, in fact! No kidding - guy I go to is Vern, he owns/runs an import mechanic shop in Parker - Parker Imports.

If you'd like the number, let me know. Been going to him for 20-some years, he's the ONLY guy I trust.

He's opening another shop in Highlands Ranch - don't know the name, yet; and his brother runs his other shop in Castle Rock. But, I like Vern, have known him for a long-long time.

[tahusker]

Too funny . . . I'm in Highlands Ranch! What are the odds of that happening???

I would very much like to get the contact info. I PM'd my contact info to you (although I think my email is in my profile anyway).

THANKS!!!!!

[tahusker]

Just a followup . . .

The shop called back and the brake/battery light did come on for them eventually, so they are confirming that I should look at replacing the alternator. They verified that their price was $400 for the alternator and another $200 for the installation. $600 total. I told them that seemed high to me, so I am going to call the shop that Ramblin Fever recommended and also St. Sharles Isuzu to see what their thoughts were on a replacement part.

I'm ok with spending the $$ to get the right kind of part, but based on what everyone is saying here, it seems like 600 bucks is a little overboard. The shop I have the car at also said that they don't use Bosch anymore because they had bad luck with them.

???

[trooperbc]

Originally Posted by tahusker

...The shop I have the car at also said that Bosch anymore because they had bad luck with them. ...

maybe, but of course they want to sell you a $400 one. i've had nothing but good stuff from rebuilt by bosch alternators, starters, etc. for different applicatons. btw, did the shop tell you who rebuilt the one they were planning on installing?

just call the non-bigboxpartsstores around you and see what they have at what price and go from there.


//bc

[tahusker]

They did not mention who rebuilt the one they are proposing. They just said that it was the "Honda authorized" part. When I told them I had done some initital checking around and the range seemed to be more like $200 to $300, they hemmed and hawed a bit.

I'll definitely do some additional checking around before I do anything with this particular repair. Hopefully, the Passport will run long enough to let me do the sleuthing. Maybe I am making a mountain out of a molehill . . . but $200 here and there starts to add up fast with kids, etc.

Last time the lights came on, they went away after 15 minutes and I didn't see them again until the shop had them come on this morning. That was at least a week of driving with no issues. At least I have free towing from AAA.

[surferfletch]

My new NAPA alt for $210 or so has worked great for almost a year now.

[Ramblin Fever]

I have a Bosch in mine, came with a 2yr warranty, IIRC - paperwork says I paid $216 and change for mine bought & put on by Parker Imports/Vern. His number is 303) 840-9355

Don't know the number to his new shop in Highlands Ranch, but if you call the one in Parker they can help you. They are open M-F 7:30-5pm

Probably looking around $350 or so for install & alternator.

Edit to add: mine's been in the truck for 2 1/2yrs & 48k no problems so far, but history shows my truck seems to kill the alternator's right around the 50k mile mark. Mainly, I think, because of it's low amp output mixed with running a lot of accessories, trailer lights, etc.

If I get at least 60-70k out of this one, I will use it again.

[tahusker]

RF:

I got a hold of Vern today at Parker Imports and he pretty much confirmed what you recalled . . . $216 for the alternator and another $110 or so for the install. Got an appointment there tomorrow to get this knocked out. Saving me $220+ over the other place I got the estimate from!!!

Thanks to you and everyone else for their help with this issue . . . wish I would have found this board sooner!! God knows how much $$ and misery I could have saved over the last few years if I had.

[Ramblin Fever]

Cool beans! He's a good guy.

The shop is just a bit south of the E-470 off-ramp.

If you were to get off the highway on Parker, go south, but move as quick as possible to the far left lane; take a left at Pinelane; then make your 1st right.

His shop is in the far southwest corner - 6250 E Pinelane #B

His load is sometimes light on Tuesdays - Wednesday's, so you should have it back by tomorrow evening.