I'm sometimes having problems atarting my car. I know it's not the battery as I just replaced it about 3 weeks ago and have only now had the problem come back.

The battery guage on the dash always sits at the half way point. However, I was reversing tonight and the car cut out and wouldn't restart. The guage was at about the quarter mark. The lights and stereo still work fine but when you turn the key it wont even turn over. It's like it's in drive, but it's not.

I left the car and tried again 5 minutes later and it started and continued to do so for another few times before I went inside. The needle had gone back upto the quarter position after starting it.

I'm wondering, could the alternator be the problem or could it be the starter? What is the output of the alternator suppost to be? And how can I find out if it is the starter that is the problem?

Thanks for the help

Robert

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1987 IROC-Z Auto (LB9)
Black/grey interior with the stance of a streetfighter

Mods
Custom exhaust. 4 Inch pipe from the headders all the way back to a single muffler at the rear. No Cat.

Future mods due in March:
K&Ns
RAM Air
Air foil
AFPR

Hoping to get a couple of tenths with that lot

 

Sorry i cant help but i had the same problem. Finally my battery just died completely and i couldnt start the car. When i jumped it, it still wouldnt even make a sound when i turned the key. I think my problem is the starter. But not sure....

 

I had the same problem, replacing the started fixed it

 

if your battery voltage is less than 13 when the car is running, then your alternator isn't working.

 

Yeah sounds like a bad starter. Your alternator wouldn't keep your car from starting unless it had caused the battery to be drained, in which case your car would just not have any power(no lights, no starting).

The voltage on your alternator should read about 14. If your car dies at a light, it could be your alternator. Check all your connections and make sure your starter is getting good power and your battery cables are all clean.. it really makes a huge difference if you have a bad connection.