I was taking my girlfriend home last night, when I my car suddenly shut down, no lights, no open door alarm---nothing. It wouldn't start and I couldn't even remove the key from the ignition. Anyhow, the AAA guy came and wanted to tow my vehicle, I wasn't going to bring her home to her parents in a TOW TRUCK, so I ask him to check my battery. It was dead he said, and so we gave it a boost. A few minutes later, I try the ignition and it worked. But as I drove my girl back him it died again right in the driveway in front of her father, of all places. He wasn't happy I was late, but he did give me another boost, which was good enough to get me home. This morning my car wouldn't turn on, and after a boost, the ignition worked again , but then died and the car turned off. I replaced it with another batter I had in the garage, but it's does the same thing. Are both my batteries defective? The "Low BAT" led is blinking in the dashboard too.
Thanks for any help. Much appreciated!
2007-06-18 10:03:09 · 11 answers · asked by Mr. T 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Could be the battery, the alternator or you could have a direct short of a large cable. Try this:
1) Since it is out, take the battery down to Kragen or Pep Boys or a shop like that and have the check it. If its good charge it.
2) Unplug the alternator and using jumper cables connect the battery. Try to start the car (it should start)
Got an ammeter? is it discharging at a high rate? You should be able to run a car off the battery for a long time (about 5 or 6 hours easily).
3) Won't start? or the jumper cables are getting warm? Check the wires going to the starter. If you have a short there the wires are thick enought that they my not get red hot but simply drain the battery.
4) Starts ok... turn it off and come back in 4 or 5 hours. Still starts.. then its prob. the alternator. Take it off and take it down to get it checked.
5) While you are there buy one of those emergency jump units 'just in case' so you can get her home without day waiting on the porch with a shotgun.
...
2007-06-18 10:19:09 · answer #1 · answered by ca_surveyor 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Do not mess with the idle. Sounds like a loose alternator belt, if the belt is good and tight, have the alternator tested - in the vehicle - at a reputable shop - not at a parts store where all they really are there for is to sell parts, you may have to pay for the procedure but you are more likely to get the right answer the first time! If you do not know what shop in your area has a good reputation ask your friends or co/workers or their parents for recommendations - when several have recommended the same place, that is the best place to start.
2016-05-18 23:58:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is the alternator or the voltage regulator. the alternator's primary function is to recharge the battery as you drive, if it goes out your car can be jumped but it will die as you drive because the it is not getting re-charged. the voltage regulator tells the alternator when the battery is fully charged and regulates the amount of charge that the alternator gives to the battery. either one of these going out will cause the problems you describe. depending on your car make and model look to pay arount $100.00 for each part they can be replaced easily by most mechanics in less than an hour.
2007-06-18 10:16:06 · answer #3 · answered by colonel pain 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Faulty alternator. It's not creating enough current to keep the battery charged. The junpstart gives it enough to get started, but as soon as the battery runs down, it dies. Have it checked for free at Autozone, or take it to a garage.
2007-06-18 10:13:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
it could be the battery,but if it was the car would stay running once you jump started it,it sounds like an alternator problem,when the car starts up the alternator charges the battery and keeps the car running.
2007-06-18 10:08:48 · answer #5 · answered by luka 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the alternator went out. I would take it off and have your local auto parts and have them test the alternator. You will need to charge the battery so that the battery doesn't kill the new alternator. Places like Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone, and O'reillys will test batteries and alternators for free.
2007-06-18 10:10:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
the most common problem is where the (earth) connection from the battery to the car chassis is corroded. Unbolt the lead from the chassis, clean the chassis where the connection touches, bolt it back and cover with petroleum jelly (vaseline) to protect it.
if the earth lead is at all bad, replace the lead, they are cheap enough.
2007-06-18 10:31:27 · answer #7 · answered by XT rider 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a problem with my car just like yours. It was the alternator, not the battery. Your next date should be problem free.
2007-06-18 10:34:05 · answer #8 · answered by [deleted] 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't be sad. Daddy wasn't mad, in fact he thinks you're alright.
That extra 38 minutes sitting in car just the two of us, was very romantic!
And hey, a dead battery or alternator-thingy did helped get you to first base! :P
( ) ( )
(^_^)
xxx ooo
(((hug)))
2007-06-18 14:25:34 · answer #9 · answered by I WIN! 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your alternator is either dead or malfunctioning.
2007-06-18 10:07:12 · answer #10 · answered by Ferret 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋