The Mechanic said that the reason my alternator went out was because the radio had a short, is he right?

Question

The stereo is from the factory. It sucks no having something to listen to, if I plug it back in will my new alternator be able to take it, or should I look into something portable?

Answer 1

I suppose it is possible that the radio could have shorted out your alternator, but it does not seem that likely. Especially with a factory radio, the harness is a simple plug. There would have been no splicing of wires or anything done to it.

If anything, I would expect it to have blown the fuse or maybe a relay, but certainly not burn out an alternator unless something was seriously wrong.

I would try to get more details from the mechanic without being too obvious. I am not saying he did anything wrong, but it sounds like they should have given you more information. If the radio blew the alternator...why? Maybe it got wet or something and the stereo is broken. If the radio is working fine, then the alternator wouldnt have died.

I suppose you could just get an after-market stereo to replace the stock one. My fear would be that the radio isn't really the issue, and that wiring is more likely the problem.  Without knowing the make or model of car (or being there with a computer to test it) it is hard to make a judgment, but I recommend getting another opinion before you do anything.

Answer 2

HI

Actually I've never heard of a radio taking out an alternator. The radio should have a fuse in the power system and if the radio shorted out it would have taken out the fuse not the alternator. I'd check with another mechanic.

Now do you have an after market amp? it may be the culprit.

Good Luck

Tim

Answer 3

If the stereo and the alternator is from the factory then it SHOULD work fine. Your radio has nothing to do with the alternator I have no clue what that mechanic is talking about. The only way multiple alternators could go in the same car is if the ground for the electromagnet inside the alternator is permanetly grounded before it reaches the computer. Besides that nothing would cause multiple alternators to go in the same vehicle.

Answer 4

I don't believe your radio would cause the alternator to go out. The reason i say this is that they have to many fuse's & relays to protect something from happening like that.As long as you have a good ground youshould'nt have any problems .I would hook the radio back up and start jamming out.

Answer 5

that reason is plausible

Answer 6

no ...if the radio has a short the its fuse could have went out b4 making  damage to any components ..to my opinion ..dont trust that mechanic he seem to be just guessing.

Answer 7

if you have a short it will do two things, overload the charging system and blow  fuse for the radio.if you have not blown  a fuse, i do not think that is your problem. but it does have  potential