So my car failed yesterday. Alternator died and I was dumb enough to shut it off before I was @ work. 140$ tow later the shop told me it was the alternator dead for sure... and then mysteriously my ignition is bust. The key will turn and allow windows to go up but not turn her over. That part of my car was fine ( so I thought ) when it got to the shop since it worked fine when it was driving that morning. The mechanic said "sure it works til it breaks!" but I still feel uneasy. I went down and looked to verify but as far as what caused it... I have no clue.

Is there anyway they could of broken it in the process? Just random bad luck? It is getting harder to afford the repairs. I trust this shop and have for years with other cars. This just seems too crap in timing. Any thoughts?

 

lower than normal voltages can destroy other components. i'm sure they're not trying to rip you...how many miles you got on the unit any way? if you're hitting 100k miles and still have bone factory units....replace them.

 

big culprit to check is the coil to optispark wire. Another side is, if you are turning the key and get absolutely nothing it could be the VATS acting up.