Q: Broke my alternator wire

asked by on June 14, 2016

Broke my alternator wire whiling replacing the other
My car has an automatic transmission.

You will need a heavy duty set of crimping pliers, a butt connector or terminal, and possibly a short section of wire. I would assume the wire is about 4 gauge in thickness. Take the broken piece to an automotive parts store or a technician and they can tell you exactly what you need.

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

What does the ABS Light mean on the dash?
There are quite a few important lights on the dash of your car. One of them is the ABS Light. Under normal conditions, the only time you should see this light turn on is when you first crank the ignition....
Tailights and dash lights stopped working
Hi, check the fuse box and make sure that the fuse hasn't blown. If the fuse is okay, the switch may need to be replaced (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/headlight-switch-replacement) or there is a connection issue with the circuit. Over time corrosion can build...
The smart key can turn the ignition but can't start the car
Hi there. It appears that the issues you're experiencing may be caused by the ignition lock cylinder (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-replace-an-ignition-lock-cylinder-by-timothy-charlet). In some newer vehicles (made after 2000) this part has multiple springs inside the cylinder that allows you to press the key...
noise when car is running, sounds like wu, wu ,wu
Hello. Thanks for writing in. There a few things we need to clarify before we can begin delving into the issue. First, are we referring to you cooling system and engine fan, or the blower motor fan which is used...
Changing the rims and tires. Will I also have to replace the brakes to match?
Changing to a higher aspect ratio tire, for example in your case moving from 205/50 R17 to 195/65 R15, will improve ride comfort due to the greater sidewall height. The brake rotor diameter, and the brake rotor part number, is...
My check engine light just turned on mid drive and I began noticing a high pitch hum only while accelerating...possible issues?
Hello, There are a number of possible causes for creating a humming sound as you describe, however the most common that would also be correlated to RPM change would the a failing alternator. When the alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement) is not working...
car not firing
Hi There, This may be related to many different possibilities that may be contributing to a lack of spark. Things like ignition coils, crankshaft position sensor, spark plugs, spark plug wires or ignition module are all components that help to...
My car battery is dead but the brake light on dashboard is on
Hello and thanks for writing in. Often times many dash lights will illuminate when the battery is dead, indicating that a particular system (in this case the braking system) does not have the proper voltage to it. This is inherently...
Car going into limp mode
Hi Terrence. Thanks for contacting us tonight. Typically, the limp mode is activated when the ECU detects a fault with the transmission or driveline system. However, it can also activate when an overheating issue is detected. This might be the...

Related articles

2012 Toyota Camry vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: Which One Should I Buy?
Mid-size sedans are the perfect family vehicle; offering just enough space for you and a few kids, but not so much that a small family will feel lost in them. This class of vehicles is slightly larger than a compact...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're Towing a Boat
If If you’re towing a boat, the vehicle that you buy is largely going to depend on the size and weight of your boat plus trailer. Most cars, realistically, aren’t cut out for the job. We recommend a pickup truck...
How to Get Chevrolet Dealership Certified
Chevrolet car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through the many training programs available.