Earlier today I went to start my car ('89), and when I turned the ignition on before I started it, the fan kicked off and on and I heard a clicking sound similar to the sound you hear when you reconnect or disconnect the battery, it did this for about 40 seconds, then I started the car and she stalled on me, and the fan kicked off and on again. The car hadn't been driven all day. The battery connections are fine, same with the alternator. It did this to me about a month ago. I'm driving along, then the car starts bogging on me, and stalls. I scanned with my Auto Xray, and came up with nothing. Is there maybe a loose connection somewhere, could the alternator be going? I appreciate any help out with this.

Chris

 

Also, when I turned the key (before starting car) and the fan motor kicked on sporatically, the SES light flickered on and off at the same time, that's when I started her up and she stalled out on me. Just in case it were the alternator, is there a way I can check it to make sure ?

 

Most shops will have a charging system testing unit that they hook up and it'll determine if the alternator is bad or not. The backyard way of checking is unplugging the battery while the car is running, but my local alternator shop guy tells me this is a really really bad way of testing the alternator because it can break the alternator. I recommend taking it to a shop and having them hook up the testing unit, shouldnt be more than $10. If you cant move the car, I know there is a way to do the test yourself with a Voltmeter or Ohmmeter but I dont know the procedure offhand.

From what you describe it sounds like a loose connection somewhere. If you test it and the charging system components all check out good, I'd recommend double checking the connection of your spark plug wires to the distributor cap, etc, etc

 

Well I had a friend of mine check the battery out, and it checks out fine, even though the hydrometer 'eye' is dark. Do you know what symptoms to look for when it comes to a dying alternator?

 

I just replaced an alternator on a 92 RS about 3 weeks ago. But that car had a bad battery too. If the alternator is bad then your electrical system will not charge. Eventually the battery will start to die and lose its cranking amps. While going bad it could cause all sorts of weird electrical issues. But I've never experienced what you are describing with parts of the car turning themselves on and off. It does sound like a lose connection, but when it comes to these things you need to troubleshoot to find out the problem. Make a long list of possible causes and go down the line doing the cheapest/easiest tests first.

 

Cool thanks for the help, I'll figure something out soon hopefully.