Trouble with Car?

Question

I have a '94 Nissan Sentra, with about 138,000 miles on it. Lately, the radio has been flicking off with a very loud 'click', and coming back on within seconds. At the same time, the clock flickers (though it has only reset once), and the car goes into an almost-stall. The airbag sign also comes on. However, the check engine light has not come on at all.

Is this a case of a bad battery, or something more? The car just had an inspection three weeks ago, and passed no problem. I'm thinking it's the battery, but I'm low on money these days and don't want to buy a new battery just to find out that's not the problem, and I don't want to bring it to an auto shop just to find out it's a bad battery and have to pay them for labour that I really didn't need.

Ideas?

The battery was a year old when I bought the car (used), and I have only had the car for a year and a half.

But I have had a problem with the battery connection before, so I'll check that out after work...I forgot about that!

Answer 1

You have an electrial short somewhere. It is not going to be the battery itself since the car generates power when it is running and that would cover it (it could be the cable attachment however).

As a suggestion try the following:

get the owners manual and locate the fuse box. See if there is a single fuse that controls dashboard accessories. Check that one first. If not, check them all. You are looking for a loose fuse or one with a broken fuse link. It will not be a blown fuse. If you are not sure what that is, try switching fuses for ones with the same color (take the blue one here and swap it with the blue one there) and see if the problem goes somewhere else (or away).

2) Check the battery connector cables. With the car off (and the engine cold). One end is at the battery and the other will be at the starter. Grab them and wiggle them while the radio is playing. Did it 'flick'?

3) Check the wires going to the alternator...(engine off) same test just wiggle easier since the wires are smaller.

4) Your car has a special wire called a 'fuseable link'. This is a wire that is designed to melt in the event of an electrial short. (Cutting off electrical power to the car from the battery). Find that and check it

Unless you have a wiring diagram of your car and know how do read it that is about all I can think of. The short is not at the obvious points and someone is going to have to isolate it.

good luck....

.

Answer 2

If your battery is over 5 years old you need a new one ASAP no matter what else may be wrong with your car. Continuing to run the old battery until it completely fails can damage your alternator which will end up costing you an extra $300. So it's your choice. Do you want to break down on the highway and have to get towed to the garage? It's a simple matter to pull into an auto parts store and have them install a new battery. Some batteries do last 6 years, but it's not worth the risks gambling on them.

Answer 3

I doubt it's the battery itself, however it may be the connections to the battery. Check them to make sure they are clean and tight. If they are and the problem continues, please have it looked at. If it's not a loose battery terminal, you have a short somewhere, and since a fuse is not blowing when this happens, it may lead to a vehicle fire, something you really don't want to experience. Although thinking about it, the very loud click you describe MIGHT be a circuit breaker that resets itself when the short is removed. If so, chances are that would be your headlight circuit. Still, if you have a bare wire somewhere that is occasionally shorting out, take it in and have it looked at. No matter what it costs it will be less than the possible fire, tow, and buying another car.

I wish you well.

Answer 4

Sounds like the engine computer may be overheating, or something is causing a direct short in the system. Whatever is causing the short is tripping a circuit breaker instead of blowing a fuse.
It may also be possible that you have a short in the ignition system. This would cause the power to flick on and off. It could be something as simple as an ignition switch shorting out.

I would have the dealership or foreign car repair run a computer check on it. If the engine computer has to be repaired, it can be costly. I do not believe its the battery,
Good luck.

Answer 5

Has there been any work done on the car just prior to this problem ?
It sounds like a bad ground or bad connection in the harness. Since it seems to affect both the airbag and radio, I would look at the common harness that supplies voltage to both the airbag system and stereo "memory" circuit. That should point you in the right direction.
If you need further clarification or help - just e-mail me.

Answer 6

stop bye
auto zone
pep boys
performance auto part
discount auto part.

Ask them. Where is the loose wire? from the alternator to battery

that is, doing that, to you.
that's all.

P.S. check battery ground wires too.(clean them)

Answer 7

You may want to check out cartalk.com. Those guys usually help me out with whatever car stuff I need to know. Check out their forums sections. Its pretty much where mechanics go when they're killing time on their computers.

Answer 8

flow to autozone have them run loose diagnostic to make certain what codes your examine engine mild is spitting out probable needs an finished tuneup tho o2 sensors, get calatylic converters checked for loose through maximum muffler shops, change gas filters, air air filters...only dont change plugs and wires and imagine its ok

Answer 9

Go to autozone and have them check your battery

Answer 10

your car fuzes are injore please check them
maybe u take help from other cars battre so ure fuzes are injored