Mechanic can't figure out, car has no power sometimes?

Question

My used car has started to act wierd sometimes, for some reason the car can't be turned on every once in a while. There is no power from the battery I assume, CD player doesn't work, power windows, alarm, no light etc. Most times though, it's turns on fine, no problem.

My mechanic checked to see that battery is ok and there doesn't look like a short or anything he could find. Also he said that he doused the entire inside under the hood with water as it usually does this after it rains, no problem. The damn thing is playing with me and only does it when no one is around. I usually just wait a while like an idiot and after a few tries it works.

I'm just afraid that one day... IT WON'T WORK. Can anyone help or have anyone experienced the same thing. According to the mechanic the battery should be fine.

Answer 1

check the wires at starter to see if they are tight also you may unhook the battery to reset the computer in the car

Answer 2

You may still have a battery problem. A battery can read 12 volts or so but still be ether intermittent or have a dead cell. Have it load tested at Shucks, Sears or a real battery shop. Also take a look at your battery cables. Carefully check the MINUS cable where it attaches to the engin/frame. Carefully check the connection to the battery. As a matter of fact...remove it from battery and make sure it is clean with a wire brush. Do the same for the POSATIVE cable. It may go down to the starter motor. There is a connection there..make sure it is tight and that the smaller wire comeing off (it provides power for all other items in the car) is connected too.
If you have a volt meter then put a load on the battery...headlights heater motor etc. With the car OFF take a volt meter reading across each 'connection' ..say the negative post over to the cable connector to see if there is a voltage drop.... the drop is somewhere and that is a good way to tell even if something looks just right.
I suspect a bad/dying battery or battery cable connection.
Good Luck...

Answer 3

Try taking it to another mechanic, or one that specializes in automotive electric problems.

Sometimes when it is an intermittent problem, it can be very hard to track down. If it starts happening on a more regular basis it will be easier to find.

Sounds like the mechanic did all he could at the time, considering he wasn't experiencing the same problems you have. So all he could do at the time was check out the basics, to have a more complete check would cost more money and isn't guaranteed to find the problem either. So I am sure he just didn't want to waste your money at this point.
I do question his throwing water under the hood though, that could cause alot of damage to some vehicles, and it is not the same thing your vehicle would go through when it rains.

Anyhow, the best you can do is to try to write down every detail of when it does happen. Like the time of day, the weather, was the car warm or cold, were you driving for a long period before the problem started, etc. Knowing when the problem typically occurs will make it easier for the mechanic to reproduce or duplicate the problem, which is pretty much the only way he can fix it.

I do recommend a mechanic that specializes in electrical problems, because they have a lot more experience and might have had a similar problem before that will help them find this one.

Answer 4

Same thing used to happen to my 89 acura legend. It would sometimes not start after rain or when it was really hot, but 99% of the time it started instantly. For me it was the starter relay, it's a cheap part and should be replaced for less that 50 bucks. But I have heard that the car's security system can also cause the same problem. The starter relay for my car was under the steering wheel, the thick part right across from where your knees would be. Next time your car doesn't start, try hitting that area with a fist a couple of times and if the car starts then the starter relay is the problem. Hope that helps.

Answer 5

Sounds like your computer under your hood is shorting out, or your battery is dieing, a local shop like napa or a local repair shop and get them to look at the computer under the hood. You would really be surprised how much more people at local shops knows than the car's own creators lol!!! I have had this sort of problem before. Good Luck man!

Answer 6

It is probably a loose wire or two somewhere or one on the connectors is only partially installed.

Look under your hood and push whatever connectors you can find to make sure they are seated properly.

Next look under your dashboard and repeat the process.

Like one of the previous helpers said, pick up a "Haynes" service manual for your car and check their troubleshooting table.

I have a bad feeling, though, that it's your ignition switch on its way to oblivion. I hope I'm wrong.

Good luck.

Answer 7

If you have a anti-thief system in your car, I would check that. I had a car where it went bad and I had the same problems. I ended up by passing it and it work fine after. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

Sounds like a short somewhere ....

Has the car ever lost power after it was started ?
Also whats the make and model .... is this a aftermarket alarm or from the factory ? ... if u can answer these questions i can provide more insight

Answer 9

Great question...
What kind of car?????

Year:
Make:
Model:

ADDED: NO POWER AT ALL?
Loose cable to power post on starter?
Loose Ground wire to engine?
Corroded battery connections?
Faulty key switch?
Faulty Main relay?
Loose fuse pannel?

Could be a whole bunch of things.

Answer 10

you did not say what kind of car it was??????
i have ran to this before and it may be a dirty connection at the starter.you can look for corrosion on the Small wire. it may look blue in color ok
good luck