I went to AutoZone and I was told I need a new alternator ? The reason why I went to get it tested cause my D gear on my dash is flashing. I heard online that it can indicate a problem with the transmission shift gear. I then read even more that a bad alternator can cause this problem is this true ?
Can I keep driving like this or will it cause and further damage ?
Autozone doesn’t employ mechanics they employ salespeople. If you want it diagnosed properly, take it to a shop.
Speaking strictly about if you can drive your car with a bad alternator and a new battery… yes. For about 2 to 3 minutes. Then it will leave you stranded
Yes, but not far.
If you drove it there and back, how far was it? Normally a modern vehicle will not go very far running off just the battery. Personally I wouldn’t trust AZ diagnosis about anything. Go to a real shop and get a good diagnosis. AZ is good to get codes read in a pinch and to get some parts from but beyond that I trust them as much as I’d trust Lizzo for weight loss advice…
My alt went out and the battery lasted me about 40 mins, plenty of time to get home.
Its unlikely a bad alternator would cause that, something is wrong with the trans, a mechanic should diagnose it. It may just be low on fluid.