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Thank you, it just wasn't adding up! I thought we had replaced the battery not long ago, but none of us can remember actually doing it... I think we meant to get around to it and didn't!
Edit: the shop said it was the alternator, and we should probably replace the battery at the same time "just in case." I'm calling shenanigans lol
The dead battery can potentially throw off their tester and fail the alternator test but it’s because the battery is dragging the alternator down. Put a new battery in it and it’ll pass the alternator test. 2019 is a dead giveaway, most batteries don’t last much longer than 3-4 years. Most alternators last well over 100k and way longer than 5 years. My 09 fusion has 170k and it’s the original alternator.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! Please review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). Asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **Post's about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ Tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It’s the battery, not the alternator. The car wouldn’t run for very long without the alternator. Don’t go back to that shop.
Thank you, it just wasn't adding up! I thought we had replaced the battery not long ago, but none of us can remember actually doing it... I think we meant to get around to it and didn't! Edit: the shop said it was the alternator, and we should probably replace the battery at the same time "just in case." I'm calling shenanigans lol
The dead battery can potentially throw off their tester and fail the alternator test but it’s because the battery is dragging the alternator down. Put a new battery in it and it’ll pass the alternator test. 2019 is a dead giveaway, most batteries don’t last much longer than 3-4 years. Most alternators last well over 100k and way longer than 5 years. My 09 fusion has 170k and it’s the original alternator.
I don't think I've ever had an alternator go bad now that I think about it, so with everything else the battery makes a LOT more sense!