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Trust My Mechanic

Your Free Car Repair Advice and Auto Repair Help

Engine Misfires and Fried Alternators

Austin Davis, October 22, 2006September 27, 2014

I recently purchased a Toyota Tercel. I noticed a misfire, but it wasn’t too bad. After a few days the battery and brake lights started coming on, so I took the car to the auto parts store and they said my alternator was bad. I bought a new alternator and the misfire got a LOT worse…I drove the car for 3 days and then the misfire stopped, but the brake and battery lights came back on.

I took the car back down and had the alternator rechecked and it was “fried”. The auto parts place gave me another new alternator and now I’ve gone through the same cycle again..(plus I paid for a tune up incase it was the ignition). If the alternator is working the car has a HUGE misfire…when the alternator dies (strangely enough, every 3 days) the misfire stops! HELP! I need this car, I work full time, go to school full time and am as broke as broke can be.

Thanks a million & God Bless,

Ryan

Hey Ryan Ryan,

That is weird! You got me on this one I am afraid. I talked with my electrical mechanic about it as well and we are both at a loss. The only thing we can think of is that the alternator is OVERCHARGING and freaking out the onboard computer system. I would triple check the part number of the alternator they gave you. You might have the incorrect amperage voltage regulator. I would get a complete charging system test to check the alternator output, but it sure sounds like the problem is with the alternator.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

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