The alternator is cracked and broken, lights, gauges, power steering not working and the transmission will not shift out of park?

Tiny
DEV01
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 380,000 MILES
Hey there. My alternator gave out earlier today, I confirmed it was the alternator and decided to give it a tap with a hammer. It worked for a little while but then went out again. I repeated the hammer trick a few times and eventually nothing. To make a long story short and less embarrassing because usually I’m patient when it comes to mechanics, I’m moving in 2 days with my 2 kids and pregnant girlfriend, and it’s been stressful so far. But I need the car. So, this bit of added stress ended up getting better of me. I got frustrated with the situation and hit the alternator quite a few times with force. Now because of my stupid decision, my alternator is cracked and broken, my lights no longer work, my gauges don’t work, power steering is gone, and I can’t even get the car out of park. Such a stupid thing to do, and quite embarrassed for my actions but frustration got the best of me on this one unfortunately. Any help on helping me figure out if I did any harm and possibly looking at a couple photos of the mess, I made to make sure I didn’t do any further damage besides the alternator would take a load off my shoulders. Putting another alternator in it isn’t a problem, it’s the potential damage I'm worried I could have caused when I took my frustrations out on the alternator. Thanks a million.
Deven
Sunday, September 29th, 2024 AT 8:45 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 46,719 POSTS
Hey Deven, no worries, you are not the first one to get frustrated with auto repair :) So when the alternator cracked it probably blew one of the main fuses in the fuse panel. Here is the location of the fuse so you can check it along with a guide to help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

After replacing the 100-amp alt fuse, (if blown) check the remaining fuses with the key on, I have included the alternator system wiring so you can see the other fuses that need to be checked. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 AT 10:20 AM

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