Q: After replacing the alternator and battery car broke down.

asked by on January 11, 2016

Battery Charging system failure light on. I replaced the battery and alternator. Took it to work and the car broke down on the way.

Battery will not hold a charge Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

This light will only come on if there is an issue with the alternator. This light is an indicator that the battery is no longer being charged. Since the alternator was recently replaced I would recommend starting the inspection there. A loose connection or a wiring issue could likely cause this problem. I suggest taking it back to the place that installed the alternator and have them take a look at the car. If any issues are found during this inspection, they should be held responsible.

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

2002 Ford Mustang won't start
You need to check for corrosion on the inside of the battery terminals. If they are corroded then you will lose connection to the battery and cannot jump start the battery either. Also check for good cable connections of the...
My steering wheel squeaks when turning left
The problem does need to be fixed. The steering wheel shaft may be binding in the steering column (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-steering-column). You may also have another problem with the front end if the squeaking noise is not coming from the steering column....
My truck is losing power on take off and throwing multiple codes
Hello. The codes listed are indicative of lean conditions on both banks A and B, as well as issues with the camshaft position sensor for circuit B. A lean condition at both banks can be caused by many things. A...
What is cost to neutralize motor mounts, I switched out front mount but now it vibrates off of frame
I believe you need to replace all of your mounts. You are saying it is touching the frame, so I would suggest the rest of them be replaced also. You may also look around and see if you have anything...
My car has done 37,500 miles service but it only has 33,300 miles, what kind of maintenance do I need?
The maintenance reminder system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/reset-maintenance-reminder-system) is not strictly mileage based. If 12 months elapse, without an intervening re-set, the light will come on simply because the engine oil should be changed at 12 months even if the 7,500 mileage interval...
Radio Upgrade RA2 to RA4 how do I obtain UCONNECT access for APPS like Yelp?
Hello. In order to access the rest of the features you are looking for it is likely that you will have to download the smartphone app and provide a few details about the vehicle, as well as activate connection to...
Cranking noises when I am turning on my car.
The problem may be the replacement starter itself or the transmission flex plate the starter drives to start the engine. If there was damage to the gear on the old starter, some of that damage may have transferred to the...
No start after transmission overheated
Hello. A no start condition can be caused by many things. If the vehicle shut off after the trans temp message came on it may be possible that the stalling was transmission related. Most transmission and engine computers are programmed...
My car says 5% oil life change soon. How soon is soon? I have a 2008 ford tauras X
Hi There, Your oil life percentage is generally an estimated time designed to prompt the operator of the vehicle to have the oil changed as soon as possible. 5% is generally not something to be concerned about, but you should...

Related articles

2012 Ford F-150 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado: Which One Should I Buy?
When you’re ready to really get some work done, there’s nothing like a full size pickup truck. These trucks are ready to haul a big load and really get in there and get busy. SUVs are great for moving people,...
2012 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2012 Ford Escape: Which One Should I Buy?
SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) are a fun class of vehicle to drive – with their generally excellent handling on the road, their quick acceleration, and the ability to move a fair number of people while still looking pretty cool, they...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Dog Breeder or Trainer
These These days, dogs are more and more likely to travel with people than ever before. After all, what dog doesn’t ride in a car? As a breeder and trainer though, you’re probably more likely to carry along dogs than...