My car battery is currently dead. When I jump the car, the engine will run for a few minuites, and the electricial system will start to die. The battery is only 2 years old, and I jumped a tractor trailor truck with it just a month ago no problem. The problem gets even worse when I turn on the headlights, and the engine will die if I let off the throttle. When all the lights (including clock) dim down to off, the engine will sputter, then quit even with the throttle down. I am thinking it is the alternator not chargeing, but the problem just started all of a sudden, and I would like some input before I go buy the new alternator.
2007-12-15 11:41:29 · 10 answers · asked by Shane Doe 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Shane-
Nice to meet another Shane!
If you replaced the battery to years ago, I would be inclined to say the battery is probably not the issue in this case. Though, I would definately have it checked before getting into an alternator.
More than likely it is the alternator in this particular case.
While you are under the hood it would also be a good idea at this point to replace any drive belts when you do the alternator. Its just good cheap insurance that the old belt is not going to start slipping when the new alternator places a load against the belt.
Don't forget to make sure all of your connections are clean and free of corrosion. This includes all of the battery terminals and cables leading to the battery, frame, starter, and alternator.
When the connections are re-assemled at the battery be sure to use a corrosion inhibitor spray, (available from Permatex), which will seal the terminals from the elements and keep the "Green and White Fuzz" from growing!
After you have done the alternator installation, be sure to check the charging system to make sure that you got all of your issues addressed.
For the record, alternators can and do just suddenly fail. Remember the electronics within them are subjected to temprature extremes. The constant heating and cooling of the engine compartment will eventually cause these parts to fail.
Good Luck!
2007-12-15 12:01:24 · answer #1 · answered by Teknoman Saber 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The truck jump might have put too much strain on your charging system. With the engine running, put a voltmeter across the battery terminals, and see if you have about 14V or just a little less. If not, then you may have fried the alternator or the voltage regulator.
One other thing to check is the battery terminals and be sure that they are clean. Then check the other end of the cables, and make sure they are making a good connection.
good luck.
2007-12-15 11:51:12 · answer #2 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you check the alternator? All that's needed is an inexpensive volt meter or multi-tester. Sears and any hardware store has sales occasionally and you can land one for $15.00 or less. When you get it set the pointer @ 20 volts. Clamp the red alligator clip to the battery to the positeve post positive and black to negative pole. With the motor off a voltage reading of 12.85 volts means it's fully charged. Anything under 12.25 volts must be charged on an automatic leveling charger @ 2 amps for a minimum of 6 hrs. Check the battery again with the charger disconnected. The charge should be above 12.5 volts as it's only 2 yrs. old.
Start the car with the volt meter connected. You should now see between 13.5 -14.0 volts. This is the standard alternator charge-back rate. If the Charging voltage isn't above 13.5 volts, it's time for a re-manufactured alternator.
2007-12-15 12:05:11 · answer #3 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would guess you fried the alternator, and now the battery got so low, it's shot too. I wouldn't jump a truck unless I had a 100 amp alternator or there abouts.
2007-12-15 11:59:39 · answer #4 · answered by Bob H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An easy test for the alternator is -start the engine
then remove the negative battery cable while it's
running if the engine quits running the problem is
in the alternator!
2007-12-15 11:48:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well your battery is getting old but it sounds like the alternator is bad to me.
2007-12-15 11:43:46 · answer #6 · answered by Why does everyone hate me? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get an outstanding battery maximum batteries purely final 5 to 6 years this is while they'd reason all varieties of subject concerns. you have dealt with the different issues and have this one left.
2016-10-11 09:05:01 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, You shouldn't have jumped the truck. It could be the alternator.. Or you could have screwed up the voltage regulator.
2007-12-15 11:46:18 · answer #8 · answered by CHUCK 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need a new alternator and you need a new battery, the jump start fried your system
2007-12-15 11:45:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Top up your battery.
2007-12-15 11:44:12 · answer #10 · answered by Condemned Apple 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋