First off it's an 08 with 94k miles on it, thinking the alternator is on it's way out? Second dead battery within 2 months. I dont have any meters to test. To replace usually cost with labor?

 

Have you checked the doorjamb switch first?

 

Do you have any aftermarket accessories (i.e. GROM VLine)? In the case of the VL2 they had some earlier software that was causing battery drain, so you may want to make sure you are at latest.

BTW, the alternator requires considerable labor; I watch the AstroAuto YouTube video on that when I was thinking I might have the same issue. Fortunately I found the drain was the VL2 not going to sleep, so never had to do it.

Before you consider the alternator, rule out drains. @SW17LS is right about jamb switches being a possible cause. Any competent shop should be able to test for parasitic drains. There are videos on that too; though it takes time and a multimeter with clips/probs so you can check each circuit. Certainly less time and expense than pulling the alternator and then discovering it is not the problem. Lastly, unless the battery is AGM style, once it gets deeply discharged it is likely damaged. So if that is the case, once you resolve the issue replace the battery again.

 

I went through two new batteries in a very short time
The second time my 07 simply failed to start, towed it to the dealer and they replaced the starter
and told me that the starter had a "dead short" which then caused the new battery to also dead short
I did not know a starter could dead short and then make the battery also fail
the dealer charged me $1300 for a new starter, this was two weeks ago

 

colfax

Would I be wrong to be thinking he must have at least got a kiss? Sorry for your troubles.

Dennis

 

colfax

If you would not mine can you post the part number for the starter that the dealership sold you and what they charged just for the part not the labor to install it. I would like to do a little research.

Thanks

Dennis

 

naw, the starter really is a pain to change.

 

I would still like to have the part number of the starter that was installed and what the charge was for the part.

Dennis

 

Dennis,

Not the dealer part number here, but from Rock Auto DENSO2800370{#2810038020, 4280003980}Reman $207.00

 

blpddaddy

Thanks for that info but I am not looking to buy a starter.

I want the OEM part number that the dealer installed and the price they charged for it. I need it for some research I want to do.

Dennis

 

On second thought I think the Astro Auto video I watched was for a starter replacement; very involved. Not sure if the alternator is also time consuming. Best of luck.