I just bought a 1997 pontiac grand prix se 2 days ago and everything was ok with it. the guy who sold it to me said that you have to disconnect the battery because the cd player drains it. he just put a new battery in it 2 days before i bought it and showed me the reciept for it. well today i drove it for the first time, got plates insurance, everything done on it, spent every dollar i had , and i also had to move out of my house today, so while i was moving the car just stopped, lights were on, radio worked, everything but it wouldnt even turn over. so i got a jump it started right up ran for about 5 min then died, did this about 5 more times did the same thing over and over. so finally we left the cables from my car to the other for about 20 min and just let it charge and then it stayed started but the lights would dim and stuff but i got it home. my friend thinks its the altinater, does this sound right? i will have to pawn stuff for the $$ for the part so i want to be sure.....:(
2007-03-14 16:20:47 · 5 answers · asked by alwaysinapanic1984 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It sounds like the alternator. Remove it and take it to your local auto parts store they should be able to test it for free and that will eliminate all of the guess work. If you have a PEP BOYS nearby i know they test them for free.
2007-03-14 16:28:36 · answer #1 · answered by elacledus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, it sounds like the alternator. The battery isn't being charged, so the engine (computer, spark plugs, all that stuff) is running off the battery. Once the battery runs out of juice, everything stops. There is usually enough left to power the radio, etc., but the engine requires a lot more power for it to run.
You can try getting an alternator from a wrecking yard - second hand should be fine, if your budget is that thin. Make sure that whoever puts it in for you knows what he/she is doing - if they mess up, you're looking at another expense. Using your local garage is best, if you have the money, but...I know how it is when money is that tight.
Good luck!
2007-03-14 16:54:04 · answer #2 · answered by Me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it does sound like the alternator. I would recommend replacing it, and when you get a few bucks saved up, I would replace the battery after running it down all the way. Also, check all of your wiring going to the battery and starter to make sure the connectors are in good condition. Sorry for your troubles....good luck.
2007-03-15 10:43:24 · answer #3 · answered by jeff s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes sounds like alternator
2007-03-14 16:27:54 · answer #4 · answered by turbo_812000 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
thats what it sounds like since the battery is new.
2007-03-15 14:42:26 · answer #5 · answered by mister ss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋