Q: Can a bad alternator cause the car to jerk loose power

asked by on October 05, 2016

Ever since I was told my alternator was failing more and more lately my car has been loosing power jerking when shifting gears or even jerking when in higher gears could this be due to failing voltage regulator alternator not sure if the clutch is failing or the alternator we changed the spark plus plug wires and valve cover seal think it was loosing power due to bad spark plugs but now my bet is on the alternator I can't even drive at night or use the blinker with out the Rpms dropping or lights dimming

My car has 249000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

Alternator Replacement $166.62 - $1297.14 Get a Quote
Loss of power Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello, thanks for writing in about your 2000 Ford Escort. It does sound like the alternator is not charging but this would need to be tested to make sure it is in face the alternator at fault and not wiring or another issues. If you need assistance with this, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can diagnose your loss of power firsthand for an accurate repair.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I use grade assist?
The grade assist feature helps control your engine and transmission when driving on a steep grade, so that you don’t put too much stress on the transmission or the brakes. To turn on the grade assist, press the Grade Assist...
I went through a car wash with my diesel fuel cap open. I had just filled up. What do I do
Hello. If you are afraid that water or moisture has possibly found its way into your fuel tank, then I would consider draining and refilling the tank. Your vehicle should be equipped with a fuel filter that can catch some...
Installing cold air intake - 2007 Jaguar XK
K&N is a reputable manufacturer of this component (and there are others). Call or email them for specific part numbers for your vehicle.
Ran the car with no oil and won't turn on
Hi, thanks for writing in. If you have ran your engine with no oil in it, it is almost a certainty that it will need to be replaced. If it is not starting now due to the no oil issue...
just bought a 2000 Jetta and I lost the one and only key that was with it I need to get it moved before they tow it tomorrow
Hi there. I'm not sure we'd be able to help you here. If the vehicle is locked, you'd need a locksmith to find a way to unlock your vehicle (as that's not something a mechanic would do). Once the vehicle...
had my fuel pump replaced and three days later my check engine light is on, why do I smell gas after driving?
If you were getting a fault code for Evap Leak or something similar, it may be due to the installation - saying this sight unseen of course. Noting that you smell gas, it's possible that the seal on top of...
2011 Audi s5 3.0 hard starting after gassing up
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are many factors to consider in these situations. If your vehicle was run very low on gas, you may have sucked up debris from the fuel tank into the fuel system. You can...
how much is it for a tune up Nissan maxima 2006
Hi there. With newer vehicles, the typical 'tune-up' has changed quite a bit due to the evolving maintenance services needing to be completed. In general, today's tune-ups are based on the vehicle mileage. To learn what services are recommended for...
Received code p0826 on my 2005 Chevy Malibu.
The code is for the cooling system sensor or thermostat and will cause the check engine light to come on. If the light is on then you will fail the emission test.

Related articles

How Does a Mechanic Check a Car Alternator's Volt Output?
Have Have you ever wondered how a mechanic checks your alternator? It’s not something that has to be done all that often, because usually alternators are maintenance-free, and they can last for up to 12 years without needing repairs. When...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford F-450
The The 2012 Ford F-450 is a serious truck with major towing and hauling capacity. What it lacks in gas mileage, it more than makes up for in durability, suspension, power, and torque. Plus, with a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission,...
How to Use the Ford Active Park Assist Feature
There There are few driving maneuvers as universally disliked as the parallel park (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-park-your-car). Most people still remember that terrifying sequence of movements in their driving test. Even people who live in metropolitan areas, people who must regularly parallel park,...