2006-12-16 11:54:58 · 9 answers · asked by Grand Wizard 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It starts just fine, and it will drive just fine. I'll be driving around for about an hour, then ill turn the car off because i make a stop. Then it wont start up again it doesnt even turn over. Then about 2 hours later it starts no problem. Could this be the alternator?
2006-12-16 12:02:49 · update #1
your battery wont stay charged, car wont start :(
2006-12-16 12:03:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First and most importanly, inspect the battery terminals for corrosion or lose connections. Those 2 things can create a big head ache with charging systems.With that being said. Take a look at your Amp meter on the dash if you have one. Is it reading low? After the car is started, you can disconnect the negative cable from the battery. If the alternator is putting out, the car will keep running. If it dies, the alternator is most likely bad. It is just a quick test and is not always 100% accurate. Listen to the alternator, does it make a whining noise? If so, the diodes are going bad. If it makes a gravely/grinding sound, the bearing are failing. Hope this helps. Joe Cuccia, ASE Certified Tech.
2006-12-16 12:03:01 · answer #2 · answered by joe c 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I actually had this happen about a month ago, my alternator and battery went out on my 2000 Taurus the power was shutting down I'm sitting in a fast food drive through and kept revving the engine so the car would not end up there, drove about a block all lights went out everything electrical started flickering and made it into my apt complex drove right into my parking space and could not get the driver's side window up quick enough, the battery light came on earlier a day before this happened, so it got towed to Ford and had both parts replaced.
2006-12-16 12:08:17 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well just to name a few, if it is making an unusal noise, this may suggest the bearings in it are going bad. Next would be when the car is running, are the lights dim or fluctuating? Another would be if you have recently replaced the battery and it's weakening prematurely, ie: slow starts. There are tests that can be done to determine the alternator's condition, either at your favorite mechanic's shop or possibly at your local Auto Zone. Good luck.
2006-12-16 12:02:19 · answer #4 · answered by broham85 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This has happened to me twice on my 1996 Pontiac Grand Am. The first time the car just died and wouldn't restart. I got it restarted during a long wait for the tow truck, but it died again after going about a block. The second time it was raining and I noticed that the windshield wipers seemed to be moving slower than usual. When I pulled into a gas station to buy gas, the car wouldn't restart.
2006-12-16 13:51:20 · answer #5 · answered by Alan S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most batteries has a reserve in them,that is probably what your running off of.a bab alternator wont keep the battery fully charged.
2006-12-16 13:58:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
car wont start or dies out while running.
battery gets drained of power for no apparent reason.
2006-12-16 12:00:09 · answer #7 · answered by mickey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To get an idea read about charging systems here
http://painintheexhaust.blogspot.com
2006-12-16 12:03:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
battery's getting weak, lights are starting to get low.
2006-12-16 12:04:29 · answer #9 · answered by Goodman's 25 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋