A woman recently got her alternator repaired for $1,000, but another issue came up, and she was quoted $800 to replace it. She decided enough was enough and researched how to do the repair herself, and inspired viewers to do the same. In the TikTok, @deoveonee reveals the process of changing her alternator after watching a few YouTube videos. Her TikTok has generated over 91,600 views as of this writing. “So, ya girl is out here replacing an alternator because mother[expletive] wanna charge me $800 to replace the alternator. I just got this [expletive] put in. I just spent a band two weeks ago,” she begins. Instead of spending $800 on another alternator replacement from a mechanic, she grabbed the tools and got to work. She starts with a ratchet socket wrench and goes headfirst underneath the hood. While this experience is new for the woman, she is taking her time and unscrewing parts with no issues. “Because I am a handyman,” she expresses. She moves the belt to the side and pops out the alternator after a few tugs. “You gotta wiggle and jiggle it out,” she explains. While holding the alternator, the woman is in disbelief that she actually got it out. After a big sigh of relief, the woman is proud of replacing the alternator. However, she still needs to do the last step, which is testing the car. She turns on the car, and there is no battery warning light. “YAY!! $800 SAVED!!!” the onscreen text reads. “Oh my god, I fixed it,” she concludes. What was quoted to be an $800 job turned into the woman only spending $30. “Yes yall, I disconnected the battery before doing anything! I also didn’t pay for anything but my tools because my alternator was under warranty. So [it] was a $30 job,” she commented. Commenters Were Impressed And Inspired Viewers went to the comments section to express excitement and admiration for the woman tackling this alternator repair. “And YOU GOT IT! Girl rock auto got all the parts,” one TikTok commenter shared. “You did that!!!!! Ladies we got this!” another added. This type of example of a woman completing a DIY repair is especially important, as auto shops have been accused of charging women more for repairs. Meanwhile, other viewers mentioned repairs they’ve done themselves with the help of YouTube. “I swear YouTube University saved me so much $ over the years. I became my own electrician, HVAC tech + more,” one commented. “BECAUSE WHO SAYS YOU CANT??? I replaced my air air intake tube with my husband in like 1 hr because Im not giving these mechanics anymore money,” another shared. “I can definitely change my bumper now you just gave me hope,” a third commented. “Hell yeah you can!! YouTube is your best friend !!” the TikToker replied. Should You Change Your Own Alternator? After seeing this TikTok, it may be tempting to give this alternator replacement a try yourself. Sometimes, all it takes is just seeing another everyday person becoming a mechanic to give inspiration to go for it. So, what exactly does changing an alternator entail? According to Advanced Auto Parts, changing an alternator is considered to be an intermediate repair job. This job isn’t considered complicated to do; it just requires some research on the process before starting. J.D. Power reports that an alternator replacement consists of ensuring all electronic components are off, disconnecting the battery, and removing any wires from the rear alternator. Once this is complete, the old alternator can be removed for the new one to be installed. To do this job, you’ll need an alternator, car tools, rags, gloves, a replacement belt, a belt tensioner tool, and a voltmeter. Expect the job to take an estimated 2–4 hours. This is not an exhaustive description of what is required to do the repair, so make sure to do research and create a plan of action before taking anything apart. The cost of replacing an alternator for the part alone can range from $100 to $350. When getting service done at the dealership, this replacement can range from $350 to $900, yet it can easily surpass $1,000 altogether, J.D. Power reports. So, considering this repair can rack up into the four-digit price range, it becomes compelling to do it yourself. The TikToker showed everyone that this repair is possible to do without any prior experience, and it can be good to push yourself into learning something new. Motor1 has contacted @deoveonee via TikTok direct message and commented on the post. We’ll update this if she responds. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team