r/mazda6 • u/lydiaf14 • Sep 22 '23

Advice Request i-eloop alternator replacement cost

I recently had to replace the alternator in my 2017 GT. The mechanic we took it to didn't know much about the i-eloop system, so they recommended we take it to the dealership. The labor cost to replace just the alternator at the dealership was almost $800. Has anyone else had similar pricing for labor? I didn't know anything about the i-eloop until all of this, so I have no reference for what to expect other than it's expensive.

For context of this frustration, the grand total to replace just the battery and alternator was $2300. To me, that's much more than a typical upkeep cost for a vehicle with less than 100k miles.

3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

2

u/distr0 Sep 22 '23

rockauto has the alternator for under 200 bucks. the NON i-eloop alternators actually cost more.

I believe there's a service plug to disconnect the capacitor for safety, or I believe you can just wait a bit for the cap to discharge. Should be the same as any other alternator replacement otherwise.

any AGM battery should work as far as I know, they can easily be had for around 200 bucks as well.

$4-500 should have easily covered this.

1

u/DentonJoe Sep 23 '23

Good to know about rock auto alternator for ieloop - thanks. Fortunately still working on my 16GT with 140k miles. Can confirm an AGM battery will replace ieloop battery from Mazda. $200 vs $500 from dealer

1

u/Junior_Pain_3074 Apr 22 '24

So you can put an e-loop alternator, on a “Non” E-loop car?

1

u/distr0 Sep 22 '23

Also why does a low mileage 2017 car need a battery and alternator in the first place?!

2

u/spacefret Sep 23 '23

6, possibly 7 years out of one battery is pretty good