Q: Checking new alternator.

asked by on November 23, 2016

Alternator was replaced, as needed, one day later, engine lite goes back on. So, I am afraid to drive it, Ive been stuck at on the freeway with this issue once. Heck I'm not sure if the new alternator has failed, or if there is something else. I have standard idiot gages, so there is no data other than "General Fail".

My car has 122000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Battery Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

You should have a mobile mechanic like one from YourMechanic come to you so you do not have to worry about getting stranded on the road with a dead system. Have the engine light on inspected. by the mechanic to test the systems to see if the new alternator is charging correctly or there is another electrical cause for the light to come on. You may have a defective alternator.

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

Power steering isn’t working
Losing power steering can be a nuisance while maneuvering through a parking lot. It is a much scarier situation should it occur at higher speeds. On the 2010 Fusion, an electronic power steering system (EPAS) was installed to reduce engine...
Window came off track
Hi. If the window came off of the track then the door panel would need to come off to see why that occurred. Most of the time the window comes off because the regulator is failing and the window bound...
Cold engine problems
There are numerous potential causes for the problem you are having. One thing that comes to mind is a failed engine coolant temperature sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-temperature-switch-sensor-replacement) (ETC). The ECT does exactly what it sounds like - it monitors engine temperature. The...
engine light
Your check engine light may come on for many different reasons such as a faulty mass air flow sensor, a faulty O2 sensor, a bad catalytic converter, bad spark plugs or wires and many other reasons. Unfortunately due to the...
93 ford explorer is bucking.
Hi there. Check the spark plugs, spark plug wires, and the ignition coils and see if they are working. Check for spark on all of the cylinders and see if the spark is good. If the spark is good, then...
Transmission
Your car has an electronically controlled transmission, so whatever occurred will have left traces in the form of trouble codes in the transmission control module. These codes can be read and interpreted by a technician with the appropriate equipment. The...
My radiator is froze and I'm going to take it to a friend's heated garage in the morning. Any advice on what to and not to do?
Hi Chris. Thanks for contacting us today. There are a few things that I would recommend. First, it would be better to NOT start the vehicle until the fluids have been fully melted. If the engine isn't able to flow...
My car won’t start. There is a red flashing light, car with key symbol. No noise is made when I turn key. Just had it checked
You should not have two programmed keys on the same keychain. If that does not work then you have a problem with the anti-theft system or the key programming. The system can only be programmed using the factory level scanner....

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Toyota Prius
Since Since they introduced the Prius, the very first mass-market hybrid, Toyota has been leading the auto industry in hybrid vehicles, and continues to do so in 2012. For this model year, the Prius saw some exciting new options, including...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Toyota Tacoma
Available Available in regular cab, access cab, double cab, and Xtracab versions, the 2012 Toyota Tacoma is Toyota’s answer to all of your compact pickup truck needs. In fact, Toyota has outsold both Ford and GM models, and the Tacoma...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Carpenter
If If you're a carpenter, and working for someone else, the best used car is whatever you like that gets you to work on time and holds your tools – in short, practically any used car will do. If you...