My SUV won't start now and my battery light came on before it decided to not start. It now makes a clicking noise. B4 I go and buy an alternator, should I replace the battery?
2006-07-23 19:54:20 · 9 answers · asked by Nicole O 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Age of the battery would be a consideration, if over 5 years old it should be replaced. Best thing to do would be to jump start it and test the output of the aternator, should be in the 12-14v range.
2006-07-23 19:59:33 · answer #1 · answered by xtowgrunt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily. I recommend that you take your SUV to your local auto repair shop and ask them to test the charge of the battery first. If the battery can hold the proper charge, your alternator may be fine (unless you own a Ford or GM vehicle) ;).
The repair shop can put in a good test battery and see how well the alternator keeps the battery charged. If the alternator can't keep the battery charged, then replace the alternator.
I used to own a 1996 Chevy Caviler in which the alternator would die every year. While I gave up trying to figure out why this was the case (most likely the poor workmanship and design) I noticed that my alternator was always dead if the engine would not turn.
The clicking sound that you described is your alternator trying distributing the power from the battery to the ignition. Without running any tests like I described, I'd be more inclined to say that you've got a bad alternator.
If you notice that you can get someone to jump-start your SUV, and it runs fine but after about 1-2 days dies again, it might be your battery and or your alternator. However my experience has been that if it won't start at all and you hear the clicking sound, it's time to replace the alternator.
2006-07-23 20:07:18 · answer #2 · answered by socaljazzdude 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you go out and buy anything on the assumption that your alternator is at fault, it might be wise to check to determine EXACTLY what is at fault. You MAY be right in assuming the alternator is the cause of this problem; but, what if the wire from your alternator to the battery is not making good contact, and a new alternator has been installed? What if a fusible link is blown, while both alternator and battery have been replaced? What if an ignition lead has come loose, and alternator, battery, and starter have been replaced? Point is: Money spent fixing a problem is best spent on fixing what's wrong. Get it checked out. Hope it helps.
2006-07-23 20:18:03 · answer #3 · answered by jbarry315 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the alternator off your vehicle and take it to your local O'Rileys or Advance Auto and have it checked out. Most places will do it for free. If they deem that your alternator went South then get a new one and give them your core alternator. Install the new alternator and jump start your battery. Let your vehicle run for quite awhile. If your SUV still won't start then replace the battery. You can also take both your battery and your alternator and have them tested for free at most parts stores. Hope this advice helped you
2006-07-24 01:16:28 · answer #4 · answered by guitardan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first things first- you need to charge the battery (and/or have it tested- if it tests bad replace it), if the thing starts then you may have an alternator problem (but check the battery connections first), if the clicking continues it's more likely a starter solenoid problem, possibly a starter problem (least likely). if it starts, take it and have the charging system tested- that should tell you whether your alternator is bad. If you are in the U.S.A places like Autozone or Checker/Shucks/Kragen will usually test the sytem for free if you can get it there. One step at a time, or you may just wind up "parts chasing" without fixing the problem.
2006-07-23 20:03:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope just buy a new alternator!
The alt is an engine of its own! The battery starts the car, the alt is the revolving motor that keeps everything charged. Once that dies, everything goes with it! The new battery will only run your car only as long as it keeps it charge, which without a charging source, will be about 20 mins!
Just buy a new alt!
2006-07-23 19:57:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your battery may be dead not the alternator. A test would be to get it jump started, Once its running remove one of the battery cables. If the car dies its your alternator, if it stays running, its your battery.
2006-07-23 22:32:28 · answer #7 · answered by daveinsurprise 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try jumpstarting first and let the battery get some juice first before trying to start your suv with the jumpstart, if it starts then it is your battery that needs replacing, if it doesnt start at all it could be the alternator
2006-07-23 19:59:50 · answer #8 · answered by hh72385 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be loose or corroded ,terminal cables.
2006-07-23 19:58:57 · answer #9 · answered by ole_lady_93 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋