Q: new alternator has a burning smell
Just had a new alternator installed, drove about 20 miles and had a slight burning smell when I exited the car.
My car has 90000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Hi Geoff. Thanks for contacting us today. In most cases, when an alternator is replaced, there will be some residual oils from the new alternator that will burn initially and can produce the type of smell you’re describing. It’s also possible that this is caused by an electrical short, caused by a loose wire. I would recommend keeping an eye on your car, make sure you don’t have any issues starting your car and if the smell goes away slowly. If it gets worse, I would contact whoever replaced the alternator as soon as possible and ask them to determine why this is happening.
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
What others are asking
How do I program the HomeLink?
You can use the universal garage door opener to open your own garage door or another garage door of a friend or family member. Hold the remote control transmitter between one and three inches from the control buttons for HomeLink,...
Windshield wiper fluid won't spray
The symptoms you describe lead me to believe you have either a washer pump motor that has failed or the connection to the washer pump motor has a break in it. To be 100% certain it may be time to...
Leak from under dash
Hello. It is likely the heater core causing the leak because it is on the passenger side and when they leak the passenger floor becomes wet. It may also be a heater core gasket that is leaking but the heater...
Car vibrates in drive or reverse at high temperature
If the engine is vibrating (as opposed to the drive train axles, wheels, etc.) that points to an "engine management" problem. This includes a cylinder compression imbalance (variance in compression pressure) or an ignition, fuel system or air induction problem....
My car won't start but it's not the alternator or battery
The problem sounds like a loose connection in the fuse box to battery cable connections. Check the cables for loose or corroded connections at battery clamps and ground connections on body and engine. If problem continues then have a mechanic...
How do I tell the difference between an alternator issue and a starter issue?
If the starter motor is turning the engine over at adequate RPM, then you definitely do not have a starter motor issue. Even if you had a bad alternator (and the alternator should absolutely be tested, certainly when you install...
It has been a warmer February day, but high only hit 68, so what could cause a water leak under the car?
Hi there. The leak seems to be coming from the windshield washer reservoir. Look under the vehicle with a flashlight and on the washer reservoir tank (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/windshield-wiper-washer-system-inspection) and see if there is water droplets coming off of it. If so,...
I'm getting an "Oil Pump Pressure Is Low" warning light on my dash, followed by loud tapping sounds from the engine.
The oil pressure sensor only "reads" and reports pressure. The sensor itself cannot "affect" or "set" pump pressure. If the oil pressure warning light illuminates AND there is coincident unusual engine noise, that almost undoubtedly means that oil pressure really...
One of my engine mounts crack and my mechanic suggests I replace all of them front rear and side. I look up the parts is the side
I suggest you verify with the mechanic since they may be referencing the motor mounts front and rear but they are also called transaxle mounts when parts are looked up. The engine has one main mount in front of motor...
Related articles
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Families
If If it’s time for you to search for the top used cars specifically for families, check out the list we’ve put together of the top five. The list of must-haves Typical items that families are looking for in their...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a Rainy Area
When When considering purchasing a used car, you have a lot of decisions to make. You need to consider price, size, gas mileage, how much cargo space you need, and of course the appearance of the car as well. And...
The Most Popular Cars in American Cities
The The American car market is defined by diversity underneath sameness. In almost every part of this country, the most common cars are sedans from Honda, Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet. But this belies how different Americans truly are in their...
Browse other content
Cities
Estimates