I have a 1993 Pontiac Grand Am. My car was cutting off on me so I had the alternator replaced on 11/8. I thought it was fixed but when I woke up Saturday and was putting oil in it, I noticed my belt on the side of the alternator (I am not sure of the correct name) was hanging on the ground. I called ths hop where I had the alternator installed and they told me to bring it back in. I did that yesterday. Again, I assumed it was fixed. Today, I was driving it and it had the same symptoms as before, my service lights would flash and the car would stop and then turn right back on. Not really a stall. Also, the speedometer went all the way over to the max speed and was stuck there. I was too scared to drive it back home so I left it. Does anyone think it could still be the alternator or just bad mechanic work? Help!!!
2006-11-12 08:50:45 · 7 answers · asked by vivian M 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
With well over 30 years in the industry, and based solely on your description, my call is as follow.
1. The belt hanging off after they replaced the alternator was most likely shoddy work. If the belt was old and rotten it should have been identified and replaced with the alternator. If the tensioner was bad it should have been identified and replaced with the alternator. On the other hand, if either of these items were identified to you when the alternator was installed and you refused replacement, the monkey is on your back.
2. Any shop that would install an alternator and have a belt drop off a week or so later, above disclaimer excepted, would be suspect of sub-standard work in other areas as well. Possibly low quality parts, possibly poor diagnostics, possibly poor installation practices. And don't forget, that even if they installed a top quality part correctly, sometimes new stuff will crap out and that would be beyond their control.
3. This is not an accusation, rather something to consider. If you went and had the car worked on by the lowest bidder or someone under a shadetree (they're usually the same), as in most things in life, you ususally get what you paid for.
Good luck with it and PM me if you have any other questions.
2006-11-12 09:03:13 · answer #1 · answered by vwhobo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a combination of poor workmanship and a complex problem, today's cars are so complicated a poor wiring connection can scan as multiple system failure, did you ignore the shops advise on getting a new belt? have it towed to a BBB recognized shop and hang on to your wallet and do what they say, good luck they're not all thieves or morons
2006-11-12 09:11:49 · answer #2 · answered by sterling m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You purchased a new engine and the timing belt broke. I find that hard to believe. In fact, I have never seen that in all my years in the auto field. I assume with your NEW engine you got a warranty, I would take it back and talk to the owner. Any reputable shop that put a brand new motor in the car will have a warranty.
2016-03-28 03:31:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the car is starting right back up there is no way it could be you alternator. A bad wiring connection could do this, I've also seen bad computers do this.
2006-11-12 11:36:54 · answer #4 · answered by whatup 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Getting a second opinion from a repair shop referred by the local better business bureau will help figure it out.
2006-11-12 08:53:56 · answer #5 · answered by hjbergel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it was probably bad mechanic work or do you have many electronic things in your car try taking off the belt and drive around like that
2006-11-14 05:59:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to find a qualified auto technician to take your vehicle to.
Some place different than you are going now.
2006-11-12 09:05:57 · answer #7 · answered by Dave 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋