98 grand prix 6cylnder: how do i get my car to run again?

Question

I had a brand new alterntor and battery put in 3weeks ago yet the alternator seems to keep drainin the power out of the battery and this is the third new alternator Ive purchased and had put in, in the last 3 months ive taken it to two different mechanics and both mentioned it may have an electrical shortage and definatly need ANOTHER new alternator ($$$$$) as to why it keeps shutting down on me, but i'm of weary of taking it to another shop or the dealership to be fixed, i ALLWAYS GET RIPPED OFF and ALLWAYS pay too much for car parts and work that dont fix my car, any recomendations, suggestions, advice would help tremendously. I dont have very much money to work with and i really, really, really need my car. Coincidentilly everything is "electronicly powered" I couldnt even roll the windows up or take the key out of the ignition without needing a jump, i'm so frustrated and ignorant about what is wrong and what to do about it help !!!!!!please!!!

Answer 1

im sorry to hear this but there is no easy answer. the easiest thing i would say is make sure the battery is charged completely, unhook the negative battery cable and connect a test light inbetween the cable and the terminal and look for the light to glow, then pull every fuse out one at a time and see if the light goes out. that fuse will lead you to a possible problem. when you are fighting a problem of this nature you need a good automotive electrician as i am. how long does it take the battery to go dead, is there a spark when you hook up the negative battery terminal. remember when unhooking/hooking up a battery, negative first positive last then positive first negative last. i have answer but not enough space or time to teach you but i will help

Answer 2

Did you get a new battery put in? If not, that's another possibility.

You're experiencing a common problem and I'm not talking about the car, I'm referring to the mechanics. Most independent mechanics are under-trained and ill-equipped to deal with modern auto-electrical systems.
Their diagnostic routine is something like this:
Dead battery - replace battery
Dead battery again - replace alternator.

You need to do one of 2 things:
Go to a reputable dealer who is more familiar with the car, and will offer a warranty on the work they do. Speak to the service manager first about the problem and get him to promise you his personal attention.

Go to an electrical specialist and speak to a manger, explain the problem and make sure they offer a warranty.

IF YOU TAKE IT HOME AND IT IS APPARENT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED... you've got to get tough with them. You've got to go back to that manager, and in a calm sure voice tell him he's got to fix it, for no additional cost because apparently they were wrong. Don't take this for an answer "we found out that you also had a bad zebra, but we had to replace the hyena last time because that was bad too."
Make it clear that if you don't get it fixed for no additional money you will sue them in small claims, write the better business bureau and state attorney general. THEN FOLLOW THROUGH. I'm not kidding. If you don't play it tough, it will never get fixed.
Save all documentation. Keep notes on all conversations.

Good luck.

Answer 3

you have a short draining your batery and probably killing the alternator after you jump it --save some time and money take it to a reputable shop if you read the instructions on a new alternator it specifys make sure bat is charged fully before starting engine --puts a big draw on em and burns em up -probably wont be much to have a good tech find the short

Answer 4

take it to the mechanic and tell him you need a refund or he needs to fix the problem as to why it would keep burning up i have no idea, but if your check enging light is on take it to auto zone and have them read the code, and post this question at automotiveforums.com and you'll get a better answer. good luck.

Answer 5

At LeMans contained in the 20s, the activities vehicles ( in case you could call a truck like Bentley a SC) had to carry all their equipment and spare elements contained in the vehicle, alongside with more effective weight to simulate passengers, and in straightforward words the driving force can make upkeep........

Answer 6

take it to someone that knows how to ck for drain on batt.I assume that it is charging to specs.,and by the way a test light won`t work on this car .for that he should be using a dvom meter there again electronics training is the key!

Answer 7

EASY, Take it to a pro and say "fix it" when i am asked if i can do it any cheaper i say sure i'll just leave out a few bolts. pay the price or walk!!!