i have a 1998 honda civic that wont start. Everytime i turn it off, i have to connect jumper cables to turn it back on. It doesnt matter if i just turn if off to go to the store really quick. It will still require jumper cables to start. I put a new alternator and battery. The jumper cables dont even need to be on for a long time. Just connecting them will get it to start. what could be wrong with it?
2007-11-01 07:11:59 · 25 answers · asked by maxpowerrys 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
sounds like the battery connection is faulty.
2007-11-01 07:15:22 · answer #1 · answered by Tech808 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is most likely 1 of 2 things.There is either a loose connection on your battery cables at the ground or at the starter.Or,your starter is going bad and requiring more current than a good battery can give it-check for loose or corroded cables.If you dont find that,then remove the starter and take it to an auto parts store that will test it for free.
2007-11-01 07:29:20 · answer #2 · answered by john t 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take off the cables from the starter to the positive battery terminal and from the frame of the vehicle to the negative terminal and clean both the cable and the frame and starter contacts very thoroughly. wipe the battery terminals with vasoline and reattach cables. If this solves the problem, you had a faulty connection that the extra power from the jumpstart car was able to overcome.
If this doesn't solve the problem, pay a mechanic to diagnose the problem. You can always opt to do the work yourself and just pay him for the diagnosis.
2007-11-01 07:18:31 · answer #3 · answered by John M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may have a bad battery connection or a bad cable. Since jumping the car works great, then I have to think that it may be the battery connection. When you replaced the alternator, did anyone look at the voltage regulator, if it is external of the alternator?
good luck.
2007-11-01 07:16:25 · answer #4 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is an open circuit somewhere in the wiring connecting the battery to the electrical system of the vehicle. Try tightening the existing battery cables and if that doesn't work, install new ones.
2007-11-01 07:16:52 · answer #5 · answered by indiana_jones_andthelastcrusade 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if connecting the cables allows it to start we can rule out any wiring problems. But, it does sound like your battery isn't maintaining its charge. So, I would think you either have a short going back to your battery, or you need a larger battery.
2007-11-01 07:26:14 · answer #6 · answered by blaqcat2nv 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tighten down the cables on your battery to start. Make sure they are clean and free of corrosion. If that does not work get a replacement battery and you should be all set to go.
2007-11-01 07:17:55 · answer #7 · answered by Tony G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your terminal connections on your battery. It sounds like you're not getting a great connection there. If they're corroded (white gunky stuff) pour a can of Coke over them to clean it off. Wiggle your terminals around, then tighten them up really good--usually takes a wrench. if you're still having problems, try beating on the terminal connector with your handy-dandy wrench. If that works, then you probably need to replace the terminal connectors because they're not gripping well. I had a car that I had to beat on for a few weeks!
Ivy
2007-11-01 07:18:15 · answer #8 · answered by ivykunecke 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother had the same problem with his truck. He replaced the alternator, but it was really the battery that was dead so the new alternator died. Then, when he put in the new battery, the alternator wasn't juicing the battery, so his truck was still being skitzo. Once he re-replaced the alternator, everything was fine. Maybe that's it.
2007-11-01 07:16:15 · answer #9 · answered by dragonflybuggin'out 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Strange... the new alternator & battery should have fixed the problem.
Check for loose connections. Better still, get another mechanically inclined person to look at it. Sometimes we overlook the simplest things when we do them ourselves. An extra pair of eyes is all it takes, sometimes.
2007-11-01 07:15:55 · answer #10 · answered by ♥≈Safi≈♥ ☼of the Atheati☼ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the alternator isn't recharging the battery, then you need to replace it. Also, the battery may not hold a charge if it is over five years old. Make sure your fan belts are in good condition. Nothing works right if the fan belts are slipping.
2007-11-01 07:15:52 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋