Q: broke small wire going to alternator.
yesterday i broke the small wire to the alternator changing plugs. did not know it until todaywhen it died. bought a replacement connector and spliced it in. still will not charge. took alternator and it tested ok. get 14 volts when jumper cables are on at the alternator, but drops to 6 when i remove them, and it dies.
My car has 145000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
The small wire that you broke off is the wire that goes to the computer of the vehicle. The computer controls the charging and you may need to have the computer scanned and any codes diagnosed for the charging system. You may have damaged the computer by this wire shorting out.
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
New starter doesn't crank.
The starter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement) isn't the only portion of the starting system that must be operating properly for your engine to crank. The battery and the rest of the starting circuit must be in operating properly, too. In addition, an engine...
Brake light and turn signal not working
Hi. There could be an issue with the light bulb sockets so they should be inspected for problems. Also, have a certified mechanic make sure the proper power from the multifunction switch in the steering column (Turn signal switch) is...
Need to start car after sitting for years
Hi! There are a few things that may need to be done on a vehicle that has been sitting for a while. I definitely would suggest draining the old gas, but before draining, I would add some sort of fuel...
Car only start when cold but dies once warm and wont start till complete cold
You may have more than one issue going on here for your 1987 Toyota Celica. The cold starting issue could possibly be caused by a failing fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement) or even a temperature sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/egr-temperature-sensor-replacement). Heat increases resistance in electrical...
Issue with Mazda 626, starts up then makes a grinding noise while in park
Your symptoms suggest that the starter solenoid contacts are burned enough to stick in the "Start" position (engaging the starter drive and motor), even when the ignition switch is not energizing the relay portion of the starter solenoid. The starter...
Radiator, cooling system leaks 2006 Nissan Murano
Hello - sounds like the problem is getting worse! Current-day radiators (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-does-a-radiator-last) utilize plastic end tanks, assembled on aluminum cores(the shiny fins running across the front of the engine compartment). This assembly inevitably starts to leak over time. I recommend...
I can't get through in your telephone line to ask if I can leave my keys and have a mechanic work on my vehicle without being here
Hi....I have referred this to customer service and they will call you promptly to address your concern. If you leave the keys with another household member, that is fine. Obviously do not leave the keys in the car. During the...
2013 dodge avenger won't start. All electric is fine. Buzzing sound when it tries to start. Occasionally it starts and shuts off.
You have not specified whether the starter motor works "properly" or not versus a circumstance where the engine does crank well but just won't catch and run. By properly, I mean is the starter motor consistently turning the engine over...
My Chevy Malibu 2013 while driving and I came to a complete stop in the car started to shake really bad and then shut off and then
Sudden loss of engine power, and then a non-functioning starter, raises the possibility of no oil in the engine. In particular, if the engine was seized, the starter would not work in any attempt to re-start the engine. But there...
Related articles
2012 Chrysler 200 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: Which One Should I Buy?
When you are looking for a small-range sedan, you need to get somewhere quickly and inexpensively, and may even need to take a few kids with you. Slightly larger than a commuter car, these mid-size options offer decent gas mileage,...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re an Athletic Coach
If If you are an athletic coach, you need a used vehicle with tons of room to transport gear. Once in awhile, you may have to take a player or two along with you as well. What this means is...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re an Electrician
As As an electrician, you have to haul around wiring, tools and equipment, and tons of supplies. You can’t get by with a small used car, or even a big one. What you probably need is a good used cargo...
Browse other content
Services
Estimates