My car keeps shutting down randomly where I cant start it up w/o a jump start. One time I got it tested at Kragens and they said the battery and alternator were ok. While trying to start it up, the guy tapped my starter and it fired up. But sometimes it still shuts down and doesnt start w/o a jump start. I dont think its the starter because Jump starting the car doesnt have anything to do with the starter. What could be the problem?
2007-09-26 10:05:14 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It most certainly can be the starter. The fact that he tapped on it and it started definitely means the starter is bad. The reason you have to get a jump to start it, is cause the starter windings internat to the starter are drawing HIGH amperage and it needs a second battery to kick it over. It is not uncommon when a starter to go bad that it does this.
2007-09-26 10:08:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There could be several things here but lets start with the easiest to check. 1) Check the power of the battery - use a meter for this. If you can get the car started,drive it to AutoZone, or Advance Auto and have the charging system checked (free). This will let you know if the Alternator is working. Don't replace the Alternator without having it tested first! Don't replace a battery without having it checked ! (also a free test) 2) If your battery has power, but everything goes dead when you turn the key into the start position, but still has enough power to turn on the dome light, It sounds like you have a loose connection at the battery/ starter OR you have a bad battery cable. I have seen cables that look OK but they have corrosion INSIDE the cable. What you can do to check is remove the terminal from the battery and wiggle the cable to see if any "green fluffy" material comes out (corrosion). If you do, you can ususally replace this cable inexpensively. If you find this, still have the tests above performed. 3) REMEMBER, A cars starting system is easy if you keep in mind that a starting system has: a) battery b) starter c) alternator/ regulator (to recharge the battery) d) cables to connect the above 4) There are a few more things that could cause an issue, like neutral safety switch, but from what you described I don't think that's your problem. Don't just replace parts without having them tested. An Alternator can be expensive ($150) so don't replace it unless you KNOW it's bad. You have a common problem, so don't be to worried. Once you do some process of elimination, you can quickly determine where the problem is. Just keep in mind note #3 Good Luck!
2016-05-19 02:41:49 · answer #2 · answered by gay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually its not common but i had a starter that started to wear out, the brushes were nasty and worn down, occasionally it wouldnt turn over but the added amps of another battery allowed it to crank, its weird but changed the starter and problem gone, just check the battery, should be around 12 not running and should load test to what it rates in warm weather (assuming you have the right battery in the car) the alternator will cause a voltage jump to around 13.5-14 when cranked. also, definately check battery/alternator/starter/and ground cables for good connection and no corrosion.
2007-09-26 10:11:01 · answer #3 · answered by Seargent Gork 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The battery gives the starter the power to turn your engine over. The alternator powers the car as the motor runs and also charges the battery. So, for it to stop while it is running means there is a drop in voltage, which could mean a bad alternator or a loose connection.
2007-09-26 10:11:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably the Starter. It has an intermittent problem. (or bad solinoid) on some newer cars this is found attached to the starter!
2007-09-26 10:12:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sounds like your battery is losing it's charge - which means it's the alternator.
A good auto shop would be able to tell you for free without having to guess between the three.
2007-09-26 10:08:55 · answer #6 · answered by Toolman 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it does sound like your starter but try cleaning your battery terminals
2007-09-26 10:08:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
pull all three and have them individually tested at auto zone or advance auto. im sure its free an itll save ya from havin to buy somethin ya dont need.
2007-09-26 10:17:53 · answer #8 · answered by tru212reno 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if its a new car it could be a faulty sensor, if its quite old its gunna be faulty wiring, as suggested it will prob be the battery wiring or the wiring dirctly to the start motor.
garage.
2007-09-26 10:09:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check all the terminals and wiring. You could have a wiring problem.
2007-09-26 10:08:39 · answer #10 · answered by stayc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋