Owner's book · not a shop
Open HoodKnow the car. Then the window. Factory specs in plain English — don't authorize until you can say this at the counter.
Stamping the aisle…
Fix Finder · Alt
Alt · Replace
A charging system should sit around 13.5–14.7 V with the engine running. A battery light is a pointer, not a parts list. A slipping belt can fake a dead alternator.
Do not throw an alternator from a battery light until someone measured charging voltage and looked at the belt.
DIY
Voltage is the driveway test. The swap is often a belt-and-bracket puzzle.
Tools: Multimeter
In the aisle
The parts person does not start with a SKU. They start with the engine and whether it is 2WD or 4WD. Answer from the bay ticket when we have it.
Which engine?
They will ask — not on the hook yet
Amperage and pulley change with the engine.
Parts aisle
Search for year / make / model not on the hook. Not stock. Not TecDoc.
Electrical · bin EL-2
After a voltage number. Confirm amperage and pulley.
Query: alternator
Belts · bin BLT-1
If it is glazed or they have the tensioner off anyway.
Query: serpentine belt