Alternator - Please advise me on a replacement

[Choachy]

I apologize ahead of time of this gets long winded...

My alternator went out on my 2002 V6 Vue a couple of days ago. Saturn wanted $580 for their replacement and installation, so I hit the internet and phone, and find what I think is a good replacement from Advance Autoparts:

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=QLT&mfrpartnumber=P8462&parttype=11&ptset=A

In case the link doesnt work, these are the few specs:
Palladium ALTERNATOR PREMIUM
Part Number: P8462
Vehicle: 2002 SATURN VUE
Engine: V6 3.0 Liter FI
Reman; 125 Amps;

After I find this one, I go to Saturn to let them know, Im going to use this one, and take it elsewhere. They boost it, but I dont even get out of the parking space before it dies. So they agree that if I bring them this alternator, they will install it for $115. Reasonable enough I think, since pepboys quoted me $114 to install it.

So I take the Advance Autoparts Paladium 125amp alternator to Saturn, and they say this alternator is for a 4 cylinder and will not work. :whoa: :whoa: :whoa:

I call advance, and they confirm, yes this is the right one. It was the only one they had showing in their in-store computer (even tho the website shows a few more).

:?: So what am I to do? Is Saturn trying to rip me off and make me buy their $400 alternator? or should this one work?!?

[IMkenNY]

You can probably find one at a local yard, do a search at:

www.car-parts.com


Most of the Vues in a yard at this point in time would be low mileage crashed Vues

And to think my wife was giving me grief for spending $40 for a spare 3.0 alternator I bought on Ebay six months ago!

[Choachy]

Thanks for the reply. Im going to remember that site in the future.
Unfortunately, since Im in a bit of a time crunch (and other factors) I dont think I can make the 60 mile trip to look at one that may or may not be worth it. I guess since Ive never bought from a salvage place or similar, I'd be pretty nervous or ignorant about doing it. I know I need to learn. :)

If I could get some more information on the alternator listed above, that would be great.

One thing, I thought of, and almost hope is what happened, is Advance AP may have shipped the wrong part. I'll find out tomorrow I guess, but still wanna know if the one listed above should work or not.

[wolfman]

Sounds like they (Advance Auto) either shipped you the wrong part or its in the wrong box. There are only two possible alternator part #'s for that year 1 for the 4cyl, 1 for the 6. The parts numbers differ by only 1 digit.....

Of note, though this may not work in your case, I always take the old one with me when purchasing the new one...they test them for free (confirming it is bad or not) I can compare the old/new to make sure they are the same, and you don't need to go back later to get the core charge refund.

[Choachy]

Thanks Wolfman. Good advice, and thanks for the information.

[Choachy]

Quick update: Good to know Saturn wasnt trying to pull one on me. The alternator that Advance gave us (had a relative pick it up for me and take it to Saturn so he didnt know it was wrong) wasnt even close to being right. Wasnt the same brand. Wasnt the same model. Sigh.

So anyway, I got the replacement listed above, and Saturn is putting it in today. And we confirmed it was the right one before I left. ;)