i turned my lights on and my dashboard lights weren't as bright as normal and my speedometer was working off and on, the rpm's gage quit working also. when i got home, i turned my car off and tried to start it and i got nothing, like the battery was dead. it wouldn't turn over. it did start about 20 minutes later though, it didn't want to idle right after about 2 minutes, i pressed the accelerator and it started to sputter....what is causing this? the day before i had the starter looked at, the brushes.....could this be a short or the battery??? or something else.
2007-02-20 12:51:56 · 18 answers · asked by nellybaby2002 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
1996, saturn sl
2007-02-20 13:49:44 · update #1
i own a repair shop,and this is an electrical problem,you need to have it checked out by a good mechanic ,one you can trust,you just don't want anyone messing with the electrical system on your vehicle,they can do more damage than good to it,but have it checked,it could be the battery or just a bad connection somewhere on it,and even a bad ground wire will cause what yours is doing,but have it checked,good luck,i hope this help,s.
2007-02-20 13:01:06 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The symptoms you stated are indicative of an alternator that is "Overcharging" or "Cooking" the battery. Have the electrical system checked and see what the alternator "Output" is.
I also recommend having the battery load checked as the alternator may have destroyed it. The reason it starts for you later is because after the vehicle is shut off, the battery can cool a bit. The reason the gauges are erratic is because of the voltage surge coming from the high output of the alternator.
You for sure need an alternator and possibly a battery as well.
ASE Certified Technician and Auto Repair Manager.
2007-02-21 01:16:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right, it is probably a short. Or in second place would be a bad alternator.
Whoever inspected the starter reassembled it wrong or placed the battery cable so it is touching some metal. It must be a good battery to recharge itself so quickly. You must live in a warm climate.
The short is draining juice out of the rest of the engine and electrical accessories when it is running. This is leaving your
alternator over taxed.
Or you could have a bad alternator which is not producing enough power to run everything..
2007-02-20 21:10:12 · answer #3 · answered by jimmiv 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that you have a bad connection on one of your battery cables or a dying battery. A car electrical system is only 12 volts so if the terminals are not clean and bright you will see the symtoms that you describe.
Buy a terminal cleaning wire brush at your local automotive parts house and thoroughly clean the battery terminals and the cable ends. Although not common, your problem could be at the other end of the ground or negative cable where it attaches to the engine block or car frame.
2007-02-20 21:00:30 · answer #4 · answered by Gordon B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Nelly........
Your symptoms are from different circuits with only the AMOUNT of available battery voltage as a common entity. If the battery is old, it could be the only problem. However, it should be checked at a service garage like Midas or Sears. They will check the charging circuit, battery, and connections. Sounds like it could be an alternator problem.
Dave
2007-02-21 01:07:14 · answer #5 · answered by DaveDownUnder 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have your alternater tested and see if it is any good. if that is ok have your battery tested as well. if all else doesnt work. follow your battery cables to make shure thier isnt a cut or bare wire showing from them. most likely it will be your positive cable you would want to look at the best. if it is touching metel somewere it will cause a lot of problems for you. that will help you out in most if not all your problems you are having with your car. the starter has nothing to do with it. also check your belt to your alternater see if that is craking if it is you need to have the replaced as well. but like i said i would start with your alternater first and go from their. hope this helps you out. when you do find out what is wrong please let me know. thanks
2007-02-20 21:12:05 · answer #6 · answered by anarchy9902 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your alternator went south.
You're running off battery power only, that's why all electrical stuff is not functioning properly and lights are dim.
After 20 minutes, your battery recovered enough to jump through a few hoops, but then it gave its all and gave up.
.
2007-02-20 21:07:47 · answer #7 · answered by s2scrm 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your alternater is bad. That's the thingy that keeps the car running and the battery charged.
2007-02-20 20:55:45 · answer #8 · answered by johN p. aka-Hey you. 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd check the terminals on your battery...could be plugged up with ****...or there is water inside..sometimes they dry out..may have to add some....also..you may need a new battery...sorry...could be one of many things...find yourself a relaible mechanic....good luck on that one.
2007-02-20 20:57:02 · answer #9 · answered by Gargirl™® 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did they take the starter off it might just be u have a bad starter wire or the pos n neg are touching have someone check if they are touching and replace if need be
2007-02-20 20:58:40 · answer #10 · answered by dogma12155 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋