engine running weird - HELP!!!

[grlaneriejr]

Hey guys, got a weird engine problem and I need help.

My car was running fine until my alternator went bad. One day, wouldn't start so I jump started it w/ my truck. (Yes, I hooked the jumper cables right). Ran fine when I did this, and as soon as I unhooked the cables, it went to crap. Wouldn't idle, rev, anything. I got a new alternator, and same thing. Runs okay when hooked up to another vehicle, but won't run by itself. I changed the battery, same thing. Brought the new alternator, and they said it was bad. Changed it, same thing. Brought the new new one back, it's bad also. They have one ordered.

Can a bad alternator cause this? Am I looking at the right problem?

Help!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

[Fred]

Yes, a bad alternator (or one that is below the proper amperage) can cause your problem. Sounds like your car is running well below 14 volts without the help of another charger.

[grlaneriejr]

Yes, sure is. Both replacement alternators were running around 12.25 volts.

Is this just a bad run of alternators, or could there be something else causing this? I even changed my battery, but that didn't help any.