1998 Other Suzuki Models alternators

LEO13

MEMBER
1998 SUZUKI
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
69,000 MILES

MY CAR WOULD NOT START TODAY, THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. THIS HAPPEN ABOUT 2 WEEKS ALSO. SO WHEN I GOT A JUMP SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT IT COULD BE MY BATTERY WAS TO OLD, WHICH IT IS. SO I WENT AND BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY. WHILE THE GUY WAS PUTTING IT IN MY CAR I TOLD HIM HOW MY NEEDLE THAT SHOWS MY MPH WAS JUMPING. HE SAID IT COULD BE MY ALTERNATOR. I WENT TO AUTOZONE AND THEY TESTED IT AND SAID THAT IT IS THE ALTERNATOR.
HOW LONG WILL MY CAR RUN WITH A BAD ALTERNATOR? IF I KEEP DRIVING IT LIKE THIS WILL IT MESS UP THE NEW BATTERY I JUST PUT IN? HOW MUCH SHOULD THIS COST ME?

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

If the alternator is faulty, you run the risk of getting stranded at night as the battery discharges with the extra demand from the light and the faulty alternator not keeping up with the charge, you will get to a point either the car will stall and not start or you will go to start it and your battery will be to flat to start the engine. Get it repaired now so you don't get stranded when you least expect it.

Mark (mhpautos)