TIL a $20 junkyard alternator can leave you stranded if you don't bench test it first

I swapped one into my Civic last month and it died after 80 miles, forcing a tow from the highway. What's your go-to method for checking used parts before you bolt them on?

2 comments

2 Comments

david8215h agoMost Upvoted

My buddy learned that the hard way with a junkyard starter. He just slaps them in and hopes for the best, but I always take mine to the local parts store for a free bench test. That five minute trip has saved me a ton of trouble.

angela_coleman3h ago

Even the free parts store test can miss the intermittent gremlins that kill you later.