2003 Mazda Protege Car Broke Down On Highway Engine Light Came On Told By Tow

2003 MAZDA PROTEGE
67,000 MILES
Avatar
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
car broke down on highway .engine light came on.Told by tow truck driver that alternator belt broke and burned out alternator.Now told engine burned out need new engine,Can this happen so fast.
Nov 10, 2012 at 1:49 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
MEKANIC4755
  • EXPERT
  • 85 POSTS
Need a little more information on your problem. Was the car running hot? Usually if the alternator belt brakes, the charging light or battery light will come on, the engine will run till the battery goes dead and then dies and won't start unless the battery is charged. Unless the same belt runs the water pump in this case it might have overheated causing severe engine damage, in any case you need to get a second opinion from another shop, sounds like some one may be trying sell you something you may not need. Thanks for using 2CarPros
Nov 10, 2012 at 2:29 PM
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
It certainly can. When you lost the belt, you also lost the water pump and apparently you may not have seen the temp gauge rise.
Nov 10, 2012 at 2:30 PM
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
He's trying to pull a fast one on you get a second opinion-all that over a broken alternator belt to burn out an engine I don' think so-
Nov 10, 2012 at 2:33 PM
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The belt also runs the water pump on this one Ras.
Nov 10, 2012 at 2:36 PM
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Wrench-is it an alternator belt or it comes with a serpentine belt I can see the latter part-didn' see anybody not till I answered it-Sorry going on top of you.
Nov 10, 2012 at 2:39 PM
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Thank You -Wrench, you have a great day and Happy Veteran's Day
Nov 10, 2012 at 2:41 PM
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
No problem Ras. I wasn't first.Have a good day.
Nov 10, 2012 at 2:48 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.