Bad alternator

1998 TOYOTA SIENNA
229,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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MR. CELESTINE
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I just bought a new battery yesterday and today it's dead. I made sure everything was off so I know it's not that.. I believe it's my alternator so I wanna replace it. The problem is my car is in no mans land just sitting on side of the road.. My dellima is this;either buy an alternator or pay for a tow truck to move my car because I don't have enough money for both.. Which leads to my question; If I go to my car and attempt to jump it off with a bad alternator, will it hold a charge long enough to get me home or would that be a waste of time and resources???
Jan 22, 2016 at 6:11 AM
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PACO8224
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 117 POSTS
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If you were to get your battery and fully charge it. It will get your vehicle going until battery runs dead again but at least you will save money on wrecker
Jan 22, 2016 at 6:35 AM
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MR. CELESTINE
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Thanks...
Jan 23, 2016 at 5:59 AM
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CJ MEDEVAC
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 11,004 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
A NEW BATTERY CAN BE BAD TOO!

HAVE IT AND THE ALTERNATOR TESTED AT THE PARTS STORE

BOTH MAY BE JUST FINE (AFTER A CHARGE) AND THE PROBLEM COULD LIE IN A LOOSE WIRE OR CONNECTION/ BLOWN FUSE OR FUSIBLE LINK, WHICH WOULD PREVENT THE GOOD ALTERNATOR FROM CHARGING THE GOOD BATTERY.

THIS HERE MIGHT HELP YOU OUT SHOULD YOU NEED SOMETHING FOR OVER $100


https://www.2carpros.com/questions/2001-dodge-neon-milage-just-want-put-fliuds-their-locations

RIGHT NOW "TRT41" SEEMS TO BE THE BEST-US WORKING CODE, EVEN THOUGHT THE LINK IS OLD, I BOUGHT A BATTERY USING "TRT 41" A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO

LET US KNOW HOW IT GOES

THE MEDIC
Jan 23, 2016 at 10:44 AM
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MR. CELESTINE
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Thanks
Jan 23, 2016 at 3:13 PM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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A good battery will get you home as long as the trip is fairly short and you do not have to use lights heater and wipers as these will use the battery voltage up quickly, keep the radio off as well, if the alternator is faulty, there will be no charge back into the battery so every electrical item used will drain down the battery.
Jan 23, 2016 at 7:46 PM
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