I have a 1996 GMC Jimmy and when I was last driving the car I noticed the voltage meter spiked positive and stayed there. When I was driving the car started shifting weird from gear to gear. It would slam into the higher gear. At first I thought that this may be a fuse because I had a similar problem before where the car wasn't shifting correctly and it turned out to be a blown fuse. So I parked the car and came out the next to day to start it up and look at it but the battery went dead. I took the battery to get charged at an auto shop. They said the battery was fine and was holding a charge. I get home and put the battery back into the car but the car wouldn't start.. it seemed like it didn't have enough juice to turn the engine over. I come back about an hour later and the battery was totally dead. Is this the battery or is it the alternator? I don;t see how it can be the alternator because I didn't even start the car up and the battery was dead. Any help is appreciated.. thanks.
2007-02-10 12:07:14 · 10 answers · asked by Ted B 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
i own a repair shop,and what i think has happened to it is the solenoid switch on the starter has gone bad,and is causing a very bad draw on the battery,enough to kill it in an hour or less,i don't think its the battery though,if it checked out good,id get it started and take it by any auto zone or advance auto parts store,and have them check it on the vehicle while it was running,this is the best way to find out whats happening to it,it may turn out to be the starter being bad on it,and since it and the solenoid switch are built together it may need a starter,i have had them do that here at my shop,and people wouldn't think that would be it,you kind of have to prove it to them sometimes,but have it checked before you spend anything on it,good luck i hope this help,s.
2007-02-10 12:38:49 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sometimes, vibration can break the internal connections within the battery. If the broken parts were touching when the mechanic checked it, it would show a full charge, but the vibration of driving will cause the broken parts to pull apart again. The cooling of the engine bay and battery can also cause the parts to disconnect as the metal shrinks.
Sometimes, you can get it to work again if you jiggle the battery, or the battery cables, while trying to start - but either way, you need a new battery. (PS - the most common reason for batteries breaking is vibration, or bolting the connectors to the terminals too tightly. The terminals and the inside of the battery are lead - a very soft metal, and it is very easy to accidentally break that connection.)
2007-02-10 13:08:46 · answer #2 · answered by Me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The battery has failed and needs to be replaced. Or
The battery is fine, but the alternator is not keeping it charged and the alternator needs to be replaced and the battery charged. Or
Both are fine but something is drawing power from the battery even with the key off. Or
The battery cables are dirty and/or loose and not making good connection.
To find out, have it towed to your mechanic Monday morning and looked at.
Added: Unless you want to take a chance replacing the very expensive computer, NEVER disconnect the battery with the vehicle running. This can cause a voltage spike.
2007-02-10 12:15:32 · answer #3 · answered by oklatom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be the alternator. Alternators have a voltage regulator that can go out. If the regulator is bad then the alternator is perfectaly fine but is not getting a signal to charge the batterie when there's a draw to it. A simple test done by any mechanic will tell you if your alternator/regulator is bad. Good luck
2007-02-10 12:59:58 · answer #4 · answered by dip_chillin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because of the fact the battery will now no longer settle for a cost that's amazingly probable that there is a ruin in the connectors between the cellular plate of the battery. Assuming this battery is of 12 volt layout, the traditional disconnected battery "open voltage" examining could be around 9Volts or larger if it lighting fixtures the interior lighting fixtures. Regardless, If it won't settle for a cost that's by technique of a broken inner cellular and could could desire to get replaced. that isn't simple yet does happen from infrequently.
2016-10-01 22:43:20 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could have a problem with the voltage meter. the voltage meter might be keeping the battery drained till you go back out. usually this is a very inexpensive part for the car. If it was your alternator then the battery would drain while the car was running and gradually run down. easy way to test this is disconnect your battery after you start the car.
2007-02-10 12:13:48 · answer #6 · answered by georgepardos 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Take the alternator off and have it checked. The diodes occasionally fail, and they often fail by shorting--allowing current to flow in both directions rather than one. This could allow your battery to drain.
2007-02-10 12:24:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you might have a dead-short somewhere, if any of the metal parts of the vehicle make contact with the ground,( muffler,fender,etc...) & you have any kind of a short, it will suck the life out of your battery, & kill your alternator,& computer. GOOD LUCK!
2007-02-10 12:20:45 · answer #8 · answered by busted_glass 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have a short somewhere... You may consider disconnecting the battery when it's not in use until you figure out where the short is.
2007-02-10 12:13:31 · answer #9 · answered by THX1138 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you obviously have a short somewhere. Check any wires that you have messed with before this started happening
2007-02-10 12:14:22 · answer #10 · answered by schampoo2002 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋