How do I know if the mechanic actually fixed my car, of it they just disabled my...

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lucky6

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...check engine light? All right...So, last weekend my car started making some odd noises, so I took it to the shop - the same place where I bought it. Before the noise started, the check engine light was on, and when I took it to Autozone to get it checked, they said it was a cylinder 3 misfire. When I took it in to the mechanic last weekend, they told me it was cylinders 1 and 3 misfiring now, and the noises were from the alternator, AC compressor and pump. Also, I asked them to inspect the brakes, and in doing so they messed up the rear brakes - they fixed that for free, of course. They also said my ignition switch was going out - my car has died on me twice in the last month, both times right after I started it and was backing out of a parking space.

(see additional details, I ran out of room...)
The alternator went out the day I bought the car, 7 months ago, and they said they replaced the alternator and put in a new battery. When I told them that, they said they remembered, and they'd replace the alternator for free as well. however, when I went to pick up the car, they told me they just gave me a new battery last time, so they charged me for a new alternator.
Now, my check engine light is off, but it still feels rough when I start the car or sometimes when it's idling, like it's still misfiring. How can I tell if they actually changed the spark plugs, or if they just somehow turned off the engine light? Also, last time when the alternator went out, the cat was completely dead. I could jump start it, but it wouldn't hold a charge. Would my car run if they didn't replace the alternator? Can an alternator be fixed, or does it have to be repaired?
My car is a 2001 Mercury Sable.
I tried doing the spark plugs, but the ones that were misfiring were in the back, where I couldn't get to them. Don't know why they have to make cars put together so illogically.
Thanks for the engine light tip - I'll have to double check that next time I start it up. Actually I think I'll go out now and check...
The engine light flashes on for a split second while I'm turning the key, but after that it's not on - all the other lights stay on for 2-3 seconds once the car's started. Does this still mean the light's fine? Also, is there any way they could overwrite the code and make it so the light still works, but for some reason or another the problem doesn't register? OR what else could be causing the roughness/shaking? I don't remember it doing that before the light came on.
Thank you, danielrivera400, that's what I was thinking. The car hasn't had any problems with going dead or anything like that since it got fixed the first time, so I don't see how the alternator could be bad again. It's never failed to start since it got fixed that first time - it's died, yes, but only twice, and it started right up again. The funny thing is, my dad bought a truck from that same dealer, and HIS alternator went out 3 weeks after he bought it, they just replaced his too. (The first time my car got fixed and the time my dad's truck got fixed, they did it for free, as they have a 30 day 110% warranty)
It is a used car lot. I'll have to search through my glove compartment tomorrow and see if they gave me any paperwork last time. I can't remember if they did or not. and yes, the warranty was 30 days. Haha, no kidding electrical problems! My last car got hit by lighting and didn't have all these problems o_O
The reason I took it back to the dealer was because they give me free loaner cars, and as I'm not old enough to get a rental car from other places, that's my only option, really. The public transit system here is terrible - doesn't even run on weekends, only from 7am to 6pm weekdays
 
Don't you have the receipts for the work they did? You should be able to find out if they actually replaced just the battery or both the battery and alternator the first time.

Is the car still under warranty/ Is this just a used car lot, or part of a new car dealer's business? I ask because generally you can trust a new care dealer's service center, but not a standalone used car dealer, who will try to put you off until the initial used car warranty (usually about 30 days) expires, or even rig certain problems so you have to take the car back to them and get it fixed. If it was a standalone used car dealer, I would take it to a new car dealer for your car make and ask them to document everything they find. You may have a court case against that service department that has been working on your car.

Generally, if the check engine light comes on when you turn the key on but before starting the car, it's still hooked up and working (that is the light's test, when you turn the key on). There may be other issues with an oxygen sensor or something, those can be wired to fool the computer into thinking they work fine. It sounds like your car has a lot of electrical problems that will not go away unless you find the source of the problem.
 
An alternator cannot be fixed....auto parts stores may remanufacture them, but that's not something any mechanic can do for you. Anyways, if they did not replace a bad alternator with a new one, then no, your car wouldn't start. It may start for a few seconds with a brand new battery, but it will suck it dry in seconds and your car will turn off.
 
go on craigslist....post an ad asking this problem...and see what the mechanics on there say.. ull be surprised on the correct anwsers ull get

But...

when you turn the key over...and all the lights flash look for the check engine light to come on.. if it doesnt come on..then that meens the disabled the check engine light... and they called you a dumbas$ take it back and tell them everything your having wrong... see if there gonna tell the truth, and say you want it fixed the right way or your money back.. if theres anyother problems that come up with other then what they messed with....

take them to court...
 
when you turn the key with out starting the engine untill the indicator lights come on your check engine light should come on for a few seconds if it doesnt id get a lawyer
 
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