Hey guys,
About two months ago, a friend of mine needed a jump so I jumped him. Three days after that, my car wouldn't start. I got a jump and it was fine for a couple days. Then I was at the gas station and when I tried to start it, it wouldn't start. So I charged the battery up, and all was fine for a few more days. Then it wouldn't start after work. I checked the alternator, and it wasn't putting out as well as it should so I replaced it (lifetime warrenty). After that, everything went fine until about a week ago when it started happening again. I've had it happen about three times in the last week or two. Each time, the car is operating normally. The lights are bright and the turn signals flash at normal speed. Then I shut it off and when I try and start it, nothing. It doesn't crank. The lights, radio, locks, etc. all work, but it just won't start.

Do I need a starter? Or is it the battery? I'm thinking about just getting a starter, battery, and replacing the alternator.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Andy

 

re-test the alternator, i had this happen to me, had to replace it twice before i got a good one

 

clean your battery cables with a wire brush and baking soda and water. or ya might try a new battery.

one more thing about those remaned parts. always have the parts store test it before you leave the store. i have gotten to many bad ones installed and had to take them back.

 

Make sure the connection from the wires the the posts are good...if its not that you could have a bad cell in the battery... I messed a battery up givin someone a jump before...

Chelly

 

The cables are on tight, I'll try cleaning them and testing the alternator.

Thanks guys.

 

I tested the battery and alternator today. The battery reads about 14 volts and then 12 volts under load. The cables don't look like they need cleaning, they aren't dirty or corroded. Any other ideas?

 

check the water in the cell of the batery.

nevermind, i just reread the post.

 

Hiya..Just talked to my hubby about your problem..he says ya might wanna check the module in your distributor if you are running an injection system...

Have you checked the connections to the starter? They could be loose... If anything go to autozone and get one of those test keys... they are free and come with a booklet(if you ask) then check the codes and see what ya come up with... could be something as simple as a faulty sensor...Good Luck

Chelly

 

electrical runs in my blood, answer these and I may be able to nail that problem for you,
1. What is the voltage with the car on and off (both)
2. See if you can test the current draw with the car off (with an ampmeter)
3. Turn on the headlights when you start it, if they get really dim when its turning over then it is the starter thats bad or the ground (they should hardly get dim at all)

it sounds like a bad regulator in the alternator, you blew it up when you gave a jump Im sure then you just had the poor luck to get another alt with a bad one. I believe that when they reman alternators all they do is replace the brushes and clean it up check it out and I think youll find that the alt is drawing current with the car off, killing your battery.

 

Thanks, I'll check that stuff.

Another thing I forgot to mention, I'll be driving around and the voltage meter is where its always at (A little under 13). Then all of a sudden it'll drop to about 10. Eventually it goes back up, and when I shut the car off and start it, it starts fine. I haven't shut it off when its low, but I doubt it'll start.

Its only got about 2 weeks til I transfer the plates to my winter car anyway, but I still wanna get the problem tracked down.