Department
Engine Electrical
The engine electrical department lists 894 parts from $2 to $848 for vehicles built from 1954-2026. It covers the charging, starting and ignition systems, plus engine sensors, solenoids and control units. Pick your year, make and model to see the alternators, starters, coils and spark plugs that fit your engine.
Part types
Charging, starting and ignition
Alternators are the largest group with 214 listings, followed by 137 ignition coils and 38 starters. Ignition parts cover spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributors, distributor caps and rotors, ignition control units, igniters and glow plugs for diesel engines. Sensors and controls include knock sensors, reference sensors, variable timing solenoids, vapor canister vent solenoids, electronic control units and computer chip programmers. Brands include AC Delco, Pure Energy, Standard Motor Products, Bosch and API. Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge lead the coverage, with the Camaro, Malibu and Silverado 1500 well represented.
Symptoms that point here
A battery light on the dash, dim lights or a battery that keeps going flat can point to a failing alternator. A single click or slow cranking can mean a weak battery, a poor cable connection or a worn starter. A misfire with a flashing check engine light often comes from a coil or spark plug, and you should ease off and get it fixed promptly. Test before you buy. Many parts stores can test a battery and charging system, and a scan tool shows which cylinder is misfiring.
Matching parts to your engine
Engine electrical parts are matched to the engine, not just the model. Check displacement, engine code and, for alternators, the amperage rating, since many vehicles were offered with more than one output. Compare the pulley type and connector on your old unit. Disconnect the negative battery cable before you remove an alternator or starter, because the main output cable is live at all times. Set spark plug gaps to the specification for your engine if the plugs are not pre gapped, and use a torque wrench in aluminum heads.
Engine Electrical questions
How do I know if my alternator or battery is bad?
With the engine running, a healthy charging system usually shows roughly 13.5 to 14.5 volts at the battery. A reading near plain battery voltage points to the alternator. If the voltage is normal but the battery still dies overnight, test the battery and look for a parasitic drain.
Should I replace all ignition coils at once?
Not necessarily. If one coil has failed and the others test fine, replacing one is acceptable. On high mileage engines some owners replace them all to avoid repeat misfires. Spark plugs are different and should be replaced as a full set.
Do I need to program a replacement engine computer?
Often, yes. Many engine control units must be programmed with your VIN, software and security data before the engine will start or run correctly. Check the listing for programming notes and compare the part number on your old unit with the listing.