Strange Starting Problem
11-30-2004, 12:13 PM
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Strange Starting Problem
I had to jump start my car on Saturday after it suddenly got colder the night before. Its not been winterized but I dont think the temp got below 35 degrees. I drove around for a while and even stopped at a bar for a couple hrs and it started up fine that night. Then Sunday morning, it would not start at all. Not even with a jump. The motor keeps cranking but will not catch. The battery gauge is at around 8 but I figure that was me trying to start. Finally, got AAA to tow the car to my mechanic. The last time I called they were still checking. Apparently its not the battery. I am dreading something horribly expensive. Any thoughts appreciated.
11-30-2004, 12:29 PM
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Well, wouldnt that mean that the battery would not charge at all?
Because when I took it out Saturday night, the battery did seem to charge and started without much trouble after I had shut down the engine for almost 2 Hrs.
11-30-2004, 12:40 PM
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Well, IF you can haul them to the store both the battery and the alternator can be checked.
In my area, BatteriesPlus has equipment to check if the battery holds the charge. And NAPA has an alternator testing bench. There is normally no charge to do either.
But, of course, you'd need to remove the alternator from you car first, and that's not a 2-minute job.
But, of course, you'd need to remove the alternator from you car first, and that's not a 2-minute job.
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12-01-2004, 07:08 AM
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It could be a short in your alternator, your battery, or your wiring... (more)...
If you have a reason not to trust your shop then:
1. Take both the battery and alternator to a store that has equipment to test them. They will tell you if these parts have a problem.
- If one of them is bad (shorted out), - great! Get a new one and put everything back.
- If both of them are OK then proceed with step 2
2. You're possibly dealing with a wiring problem in your car. Your shop should be able to find the drain/short, it's no rocket science. If they can't, take the car to a different shop.
Please do this and let us know what you've found out.
1. Take both the battery and alternator to a store that has equipment to test them. They will tell you if these parts have a problem.
- If one of them is bad (shorted out), - great! Get a new one and put everything back.
- If both of them are OK then proceed with step 2
2. You're possibly dealing with a wiring problem in your car. Your shop should be able to find the drain/short, it's no rocket science. If they can't, take the car to a different shop.
Please do this and let us know what you've found out.