Q: Will your mechanic diagnose and confirm the problem first before installing any new parts, e.g., alternator?

asked by on May 25, 2017

My car would start last week because of no power so I jump-started it, drove it to Walmart and bought a new battery (old battery was more than 3 years old). After not using the car again for at least a week, car won't start again (no power). I think it may be the alternator and I got a quote for alternator repair/replacement. Question: will the mechanic diagnose first and confirm the problem first before installing the new alternator? Will the quote change?
My car has an automatic transmission.

Update: Friday, 5/26 - Is an answer forthcoming on this question?

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

Engine steaming, smoking, and smelling.
The problem you describe is a blown leaking coolant hose or one of the cooling system components have started leaking. The strange smell may be the coolant burning off. This is a sweet smell. The cooling system has a leak...
Stuck intake valve
Hello. I am assuming that you are referring to the intake valve that is located inside of the engine. If my assumption is correct, the only way to fix this issue is to have the cylinder head replaced or rebuilt....
Car will go in gear but won't move forward or back
Hello there, thanks for writing in. A few different faults can cause your 2002 Kia Optima to not go forward or back. The most common would be low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-and-add-fluid-to-an-automatic-transmission), transmission shift linkage faulty, transmission oil pump, or a...
P0701 and limp mode - 2006 Ford Freestyle
Hello - the P0701 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0701-obd-ii-trouble-code-transmission-control-system-range-performance-by-cheryl-knight) is a generic problem code which is set by the transmission, but there should be other codes, because there are other possibilities that will trigger this code. A throttle position sensor, whether dirty or malfunctioning,...
Engine Code P0016
The P0016 code is most likely due to the engine sludge build up as the VVT (variable valve timing) system is control with oil pressure. In regards to the engine flush, I whole heartedly agree with Toyota. The number of...
Broken belt
the most common cause of a belt breaking or coming off is the belt tensioner seizes and throws off the belt. Have the tensioner and belt replaced. Check all the other pulleys are free moving and not seized.
ok i have a 01pontiac grand prix and the car has a wobble to tje front passenger side and a thummping noise that stops when i turn
Hello there, many common faults will cause a wobble and thumping noise on your 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix. Replacing the hubs and the passenger side tire rod is a great place to start, but before any more parts are replaced...
Why would my steering only be stiff when driving but be fine when I'm still or going real slow 2001 Nissan Frontier
The steering system is designed to have a hard steering at high speeds to prevent any rollovers. The Dynamic Stability Control or Traction Control is designed to keep the vehicle from over steering when driven at a higher speed. You...

Related articles

2012 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2012 Ford Focus: Which One Should I Buy?
The Hyundai Elantra and the Ford Focus are both offerings in the inexpensive compact sedan category, and both represent some of the best offerings in that class. Compact cars are slightly larger than a subcompact, but smaller than a mid-size;...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Doctor Who Makes House Calls
If If you are a doctor who makes house calls, reliability is likely to be at the forefront of your mind when it comes to choosing a used car. You also expect a certain level of comfort. We have evaluated...
2010 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2010 Kia Rondo: Which One Should I Buy?
There are two different classes of vehicle represented here: the 2WD SUV in the Santa Fe and the mid-size station wagon or crossover SUV in the Kia Rondo. The difference between these two classes may seem slight, but the crossover...