Today i was driving my car and the anitlock brake lights came on, then check guages came on, then service engine soon, then no guages they stopped working, i had my lights on and the interior light were very dim. As i was driving, i can stop, but as my transmission shifted gears it was sluggish. Transmission was rebuilt few months ago. I came home and parked it, try to start it again and would not turn over. I think it may be the battery, because it is about 6 years old and the alternator was rebuilt by a professional 3 or 4 years ago, So am i right about this being a bad battery?
2007-02-27 01:47:17 · 12 answers · asked by john G 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
A battery doesn't go that bad that quick, it goes bad over time.
Thus, your alternator is failing to charge your battery as your car is running. Take your battery to a auto parts store and they will test it for free. Once it's confirmed good, then get yourself a new alternator.
2007-02-27 02:08:28 · answer #1 · answered by redjetta 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is definitely a problem with the electrical power system. Can't tell without doubt if it is the battery or alternator, because both could cause the check lights to reset and lights to dim.
I would guess the problem is the battery, because you said that the car kept running until stopped, meaning that the alternator was keeping the system powered but could not charge the battery. Lucky the battery is the easier to check.
A mechanic should be able to check to load of the battery quickly and cheaply, or some battery charging units will tell you when you try to charge that there is a problem.
2007-02-27 10:12:32 · answer #2 · answered by brodie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's more like your alternator is going again, so the car uses the battery instead and drained it. Recharge your battery, your car should start and run for a little while. Then you'll notice the same thing will happen. So, charge up your battery and take it to the garage. This time instead of having them rebuild the alternator, buy a new one.
2007-02-27 09:50:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a meter or a friend who has one jump the car to get it running. Once the car is running take the meter and put it on the D/C setting, place one lead on the negative(black)and one lead on the Positive(red). You should see at least 13 volts, preferrably 13.85 to 14.65 volts. This would mean your alternator is good. If your voltage is less than 13 volts you need a new alternator. Otherwise it is your battery.
2007-02-27 09:59:41 · answer #4 · answered by Robert D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your alternator was working properly, none of this except starting would be affected. Start with the alternator and at the same time, have the battery load tested.
2007-02-27 09:51:58 · answer #5 · answered by Lab 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it could be the battery,not taking charge,or it could be the alternator not putting anything out.i would first check the alternator.but of course 6 yrs.is pretty old for a battery.you might see if you got another battery thats good laying around,that you could try,then if it runs down,you will know its the alternator.
2007-02-27 10:16:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably the alternator, or just a loose belt, the alternator should be able to run things. could be a loose battery cable too, but six years is pushing it try a new one.
2007-02-27 09:50:32 · answer #7 · answered by rand a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be both. try another battery first then go see the guy who did the alternator they are the only 2 causes
2007-02-27 09:49:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Replace battery.
Have alternator tested...make sure belt is tight.
Replace plugs and wires & battery cables and terminals
Change oil
Check transmission and brake fluids
Flush radiator....(check for circulation)
Check all fuses....(under hood and on firewall)
While your at it....check all lights and adjust headlamps
You seem a bit "sluggish" with vehicle maintenance......that's why I'm advising all this for optimal performance.
2007-02-27 10:04:16 · answer #9 · answered by Bonnie Lynn 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
it sounds like you are right if all you said was done recently. most places that sell car batteries will test your battery for free before selling you one.
2007-02-27 09:51:42 · answer #10 · answered by JP1000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋