When I turn the key before I start it, it shows about 10-11 volts but starts pretty much every time. If I dont drive the car for a day or longer it will click a couple times before finally starting. But it doesn't always do this usually it will start without a problem. Once it is running the volts never get above 13 when driving and go to about 10-11 when the ac is on. So I decide to test the battery and the alternator. Both checked out good the alt. pulled about 14-15 volts. The battery was around 12.5. So I cleaned up the connections and made sure they were all tight. At this point I am thinking starter, or a drain of some kind. The starter has never been replaced since I have owned it for 3+ years. Could it have anything to do with VATS? Please someone help me before I get stranded somewhere.

 

I'd agree you probably have a drain somewhere. If you let the car sit for a few days and it clicks before starting, that means your battery is low. I've had sort of a similar problem before and suspect some wiring that was replaced. If you've got something similar you may want to check it. Have any lights out that may be remaining on?

I was told this weekend that you could check to find if you have a drain by disconnecting the battery and then reconnecting it. If something is drawing power it will spark, but you have to make sure to disconnect anything that requires power while the car is off(such as the radio memory). Mine always sparks when I connect a battery, but I haven't disconnected the radio ever.

 

I just drove my car and now the volts will drop down to about 10 and then jump back to 13. The guage is kind of jumpy instead of being steady at 13 and only moving when the ac goes on. This is beginning to bother me.

 

How did you check the alternator? On a test bench. Sounds to me the alternator or it's voltage regulator is going south after they heat up. Best way to check is to put a voltmeter directly across the battery terminals & check voltage with the engine running above low idle. If you are under 14 volts, think about replacing the alternator.

 

FJK,
Yes it was tested on a bench test. I did test it the way you suggest about a month ago when I had the same problem and it was above 14 volts. At first I thought it was the alternator, but the volts don't drop once it heats up it stays constant.
Anyone have other ideas?