Hello all, I'm looking for an alternator for my 98 Camry 2.2l. They are all getting pretty crazy expensive now so I was just wondering if it would be alright to get a remanufactured instead of a new one. Also I see options for 80 or 90 amps, would choosing one or the other make any real difference? Is 90 amps too much? Thanks!!
yeah for a 24yo car I wouldn't have a problem buying reman.
Also I see options for 80 or 90 amps, would choosing one or the other make any real difference?
maybe it depends on the accessories you have.
I would try to match what was there before
Remanufactured should be OK, but buy one locally that has a "lifetime" warranty in case there are problems with it. Stick with the amperage you already have since the alternators may have different physical mountings or different PCMs controlling output.
Get a remanufactured Duralast alternator from your local AutoZone. In my experience, they're usually remanufactured pretty well. My friend bought his '98 Camry's lifetime warranty remanufactured unit from Advance Auto and it goes out again every year to year and a half.
I replaced mine in my truck the other day and noticed the one that went bad was a remanufactured one from AutoZone. It was pretty well aged.
They do seem to be more subject to an odd failure mode. When they die, they tend to suddenly not charge around cruising RPMs, but will charge above and below. My truck almost died on the highway cruising until I noticed I had almost no voltage and took the next exit to not die on the highway. As soon as the RPMs dropped, voltages came right back up. Accelerating and cruising at certain speeds, voltage dropped again. Nuttiest thing ever. My step dad has had two do that over the years as well.
Reman Denso.
