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Is it possible for an alternator to go out 3 weeks after rebuilt?

While extremely unlikely, it's possible for a rebuilt alternator to fail within three weeks. Several factors could contribute to this:

* Faulty rebuild: The most likely reason. The rebuilder might have used substandard parts, missed a critical repair, or improperly assembled the alternator. This is more common with lower-quality rebuild shops.

* Pre-existing damage: Underlying damage to the alternator that wasn't detected or addressed during the rebuild could have led to premature failure.

* Installation error: The alternator might have been incorrectly installed, leading to damage or improper operation. This could involve loose connections, incorrect belt tension, or other mechanical issues.

* Electrical system problems: A problem elsewhere in the vehicle's electrical system could overload the alternator, causing it to fail prematurely. This is less likely but possible.

* Manufacturing defect (in a new component): Even new parts used in the rebuild could have manufacturing defects.

If the alternator failed so soon after a rebuild, it's crucial to contact the rebuilder immediately. They should investigate the failure and, depending on their warranty and the cause of the failure, either repair or replace the alternator. It's important to have documentation of the rebuild to support your claim.