Alternator - 4Runner

[cfnewman]

Last Friday I left the headlights on my 4Runner on all day and drained my battery. (The alarm bell doesn't work.) I jump-started it and took it to a mechanic who charged the battery. It ran okay all weekend, but I noticed that my battery warning light was on some of the time, but not all the time. Monday morning, while driving to work, the engine began to sputter. For about 2 miles it threatened to quit. Then it began to run smoothly again and I was able to get back to the mechanic. He said I needed a new alternator and I had him install one. It cost $395. My question is whether it is possible or likely that, by recharging the battery incorrectly, he blew out my old alternator?

[forest_grump]

An alternators job is to MAINTAIN the state of charge in a battery and NOT to recharge a dead battery...so by jump starting and driving your suv you were using/over working your alternator and most likely is what burned it up...next time find an alternator/starter rebuild shop and have them rebuild yours as it will save you money

[cfnewman]

Originally Posted by forest_grump

An alternators job is to MAINTAIN the state of charge in a battery and NOT to recharge a dead battery...so by jump starting and driving your suv you were using/over working your alternator and most likely is what burned it up...next time find an alternator/starter rebuild shop and have them rebuild yours as it will save you money

Thanks.