If a 'diode was bad', the voltage would not 'be fine'.

All you have bad is the diagnosis....

Is the amperage 'fine' as well?
What did the output look like on the scope?
A bad diode will stick out like a sore thumb
on a silly scope.

 

I dont know...

Dealers suck but I can't drive the car far enough to get it somewhere else without it shutting off.

 

People have been known to diagnose their own problems and fix them without the dealers help.
Still under warranty, are we?

 

They will probably blame it on the xcharger even if he is still under warranty and it could be something completely irrelevant!

 

Over 3 years old, so no warranty. I'll let them finish their diagnosis tomorrow but they're not going to do the work on the car.

 

Ok they said my problem is a bad alternator/bad diode. They want $630 to replace it. In the meantime, I'm gonna try to drive my car home from the dealer (5 mins).

Can't I just buy a new alternator and self install it for a lot cheaper? Should I get one better than the stock one? I don't know very much about this part.

 

replacement alternator is 230-260 probably unless you get a re-manufactured one and install is all about how much you know but it shouldnt be the hardest job in the world. its probably a 3-4 hour job so the dealers quote isnt totally out of line. I had mine replaced in my old truck for 400 from a dodge dealer. the labor was around that long i think

 

So it really could cost this much..

C'mon guys I need advice on what I should do now that I know the problem!

Cherokee Ford quoted me $466, which would be a lot more reasonable.

 

466 isnt bad, especially using a brand new alternator. Its hard to say not know the funds you have available. give a local shop that your trust a call and see what they quote you

 

Well, I would pay $466, figuring $250 for the alternator and $100 x 2 hrs for labor. I just don't want to have this problem again since I only have 25k miles and my alternator went out. Should I consider aftermarket options?