I have two problems and I'm not sure if they are related and if I should try to fix them or just buy a new car. I guess I have an oil leak. I smelled some burning from the engine so I went to a gas station and found there was no oil in my engine (according to dipstick) I added two quarts with plans for an oil change the next day. The next morning my car was completely dead. No lights, not even the automatic door locks would work. I got it jumpstarted, but during driving, when I was stopped at a light, it would idle slower and then die. I parked it and within 4 hours the battery was completely dead again. I have never had to jumpstart this car before. Is it my alternator? Could my oil problem be related to this? Is my engine ruined because it was running on so little oil? Thanks for any advice!
2007-01-22 17:39:49 · 5 answers · asked by MozartHerzfeuer 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The smell was probably nothing to do with oil level, Might be a burnt belt or fried battery, allternator. Just consider yourself lucky that you had a reason to check the oil before the engine went.
2007-01-22 17:49:00 · answer #1 · answered by misc 75 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, the electrical problem could be something as simple as a dirty battery terminal. I would start there and clean the connecton. Next, I would use a DC voltmeter on the battery. Without the engine running you should see 12VDC. If not, then you may have a short in the wiring or a shorted cell in the battery, or the battery needs a charge. With the engine running you should see somewhere around 13.6VDC. If you don't, then it's either the alternator or the voltage regulator.
The oil is a seperate problem, put some paper underneath the car overnight and see if there are any spots on the paper in the morning. This may help you find out what is leaking.
Good Luck
2007-01-22 18:06:37 · answer #2 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i doubt your engine is ruined, although it could have happened. Please make sure and do not overfill your engine with oil as it can cause even more damage. Alternator could be a possibility. Most places like autozone and wal mart can check your alternator for free and see if that is indeed the problem. Sounds like a new battery is in the works no matter. Plus the cold can really zap a battery especially if it is windy with a very very low wind chill. As for the oil leak, if if is not dripping then check the air filter housing, if it is full of oil then get your pcv valve replaced. Then check your tail pipe and if it has a lot of black soot, then you ahve bigger issues.
2007-01-22 17:50:32 · answer #3 · answered by swksmason 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tryed to pull the + cable on the battery if it stays running then its not your alternator. You may have a dead battery cell and its time for a new battery.The burning smell is from the engine being low on oil and getting hot.
2007-01-22 18:13:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
FORD
Found On Road Dead!
Chevy doesnt have that problem.
In all seriousness. It sounds like neglect is the cause of your problems. How long did you not have oil in you engine? Lack of oil doesnt cause electrical problems. Now you have an electrical gremlin...could be battery, alternator or starter. Get all 3 checked.
2007-01-22 17:52:01 · answer #5 · answered by Iceplayr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋