car wouldn't start. got a jump that lasted 1/2 block, then car died again. just shut off, and the PRND indicator flickered. is it the alternator? it is a 98 chevy cavalier.
2006-06-22 13:56:42 · 12 answers · asked by thesebootsaremadeforwalkin' 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
so the car wont start and jumping it helps? could just be time for a new battery! even though batteries can often be jumped and the car will go back to normal, batteries still permanently lose power/drain little by little. If you haven't replaced the battery since you bought the car (7 years) that could be your problem. If you can get it to a car parts store (i.e. pepboys, auto parts) they can probably check that for you and replace it if need be.
2006-06-22 14:02:10 · answer #1 · answered by askanswerdiscover 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
First thing that comes to mind is that the battery is old and will not hold a charge overnight BUT the car stalling out is leading me to believe the alternator is not charging. Once running the alternator should be able to keep the electrical system from collapsing. You said you took it to the shop six days ago but you did not say what they did. That would be good info to help us. I'm going to think they did what was necessary for the stalling problem but did not look at the battery problem. First off you need to have the battery charged and tested to find out if it is good, don't just buy another one because someone on here says to. Next is the alternator. You can take it to one of the auto stores that check them but they are inclined to find something wrong with them and I see it time after time where the alternator is new and the battery still dies so your mechanic if trusted would be the best choice. If the alternator test is good there is still a chance it has a bad diode and when the engine is off it is pulling the battery current back through it. You may also have something like a trunk light or glove box that is stuck on and it kills the battery.
2016-05-20 12:30:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes its the alternator
2006-06-22 14:01:09 · answer #3 · answered by dl200558 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sounds to me like your alternator is shot. If you can take the alternator off you can have it tested for free at Advance or Auto Zone.
2006-06-22 14:02:42 · answer #4 · answered by d_fluhart 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the battery to the auto parts store and have them test it. They'll do it for free. If it's not dead then it's probably the alternator.
2006-06-22 14:00:49 · answer #5 · answered by dancing_in_the_hail 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
alternator
2006-06-22 14:04:17 · answer #6 · answered by davidreed1973 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always test battery first then check amps to see if you are getting the correct amount.. Most of the time your battery has gone back
2006-06-22 14:07:17 · answer #7 · answered by mack a 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably - if you jump the car off and then remove one of the battery cables - if the alt is bad the car will quit running - if it still runs then it may be the battery
2006-06-22 14:02:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is the alternator when your car is on the headlights will flicker & so will your interior lights.
2006-06-22 14:02:14 · answer #9 · answered by Maria C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it sounds like you are running out of electricity. Jules, auto lecturer. Australia.
2006-06-22 14:01:57 · answer #10 · answered by Jules G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋