ACMESkydiver 0 #1 January 11, 2007 My hubby starts the car at work to drive home & starts heading home. The battery light comes on. Then the windshield wipers start slowing down, dash lights start dimming, then come back. 5 minutes later, the car goes COMPLETELY dead as he's driving down the freeway (in the snow & at night on the most dangerous stretch of unlit highway we have in Washington thank God he was ok). No lights, enigine conking out, then nothing. He sat there waiting for us to come get him on the summit of the mountain. When we got to him, he tried again, and it cranked and started. No problem...but then the lights started dimming again, and it died. We let it sit until we got Geico on the phone, and then found that tow trucks would not risk hwy 18 in snow conditions, so he started it again and pulled way off the road, then again the lights dimmed and it died. Alternator? Battery? Connection? Both?? We're going to try to get it towed home and my sister-in-law's husband is going to check it out...any ideas?~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #2 January 11, 2007 Alternator... he was running off the battery.Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #3 January 11, 2007 It could be an alternator. a battery or a connection. it is most likely the alternator. but if any one of those components is failing, it is hard to test the other components. so in other words, it could also be all 3. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ACMESkydiver 0 #4 January 11, 2007 QuoteAlternator... he was running off the battery. That's what we were thinking, but then why would the battery DIE, but then work again spontaneously? If it was running off of battery, the battery should be DEAD, dead as a door nail...it's weird that it worked after sitting twice.~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ACMESkydiver 0 #5 January 11, 2007 QuoteIt could be an altornator. a batterry or a connection. it is most likely the altornator. but if any one of those components is failing, it is hard to test the other components. so in other words, it could also be all 3. We're going to pull out the battery and have it tested at the auto shop. That will eliminate that piece to it...maybe.~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marks 0 #6 January 11, 2007 QuoteQuoteAlternator... he was running off the battery. That's what we were thinking, but then why would the battery DIE, but then work again spontaneously? If it was running off of battery, the battery should be DEAD, dead as a door nail...it's weird that it worked after sitting twice. a good battery will usually do that. it isn't spontaneous, it takes a few minutes of no draw to regenerate slightly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites normiss 891 #7 January 11, 2007 one of the few goods things about auto zone...free electrical checks... they will test the alternator...although I wouldn't buy the replacement from THEM!!! belt slipping enough that it charges intermittently? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marks 0 #8 January 11, 2007 Quoteone of the few goods things about auto zone...free electrical checks... they will test the alternator...although I wouldn't buy the replacement from THEM!!! belt slipping enough that it charges intermittently? I get alot of cars from auto zone miss diagnosed. they come in ALL the time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites squirrel 0 #9 January 11, 2007 had the same problem years ago on a toyota...bad alt. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marks 0 #10 January 11, 2007 QuoteQuoteIt could be an altornator. a batterry or a connection. it is most likely the altornator. but if any one of those components is failing, it is hard to test the other components. so in other words, it could also be all 3. We're going to pull out the battery and have it tested at the auto shop. That will eliminate that piece to it...maybe. just charge the battery yourself, if it takes a charge and holds it it is probably fine. if it is able to regenerate some, it is probably fine also. your going to have to have it charged to test it anyway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites downwardspiral 0 #11 January 11, 2007 I would say alternator as well. I find it odd that the car would even start after the first time it quit on him. Probably he wasnt killing the battery, just drawing too much from it all at once (ie headlamps, fog lamps, wiper, heater, cd player on). Also it could be the wiring depending on the age of the vehicle and whether or not salt is used on the roads where you live.www.FourWheelerHB.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites floridadiver81 0 #12 January 11, 2007 I have been into cars for prolly 5 years now..mainly honda/acura. I have had this happen to me twice and other firends numerous times. The only purpose of the battery is to start the car. A motor can run off of the alternator. I know this becasue my friends battery died...and we used my battery to start it..it started and we took the battery off of the connectors and the car remained running. Car batteries react differently depending ont he brand and the cranking amps. If the cranking amps are high...then it will start the car fine...then its up to the alternator to charge the battery to run the distributor to fire the spark plugs. Whenthe battery is dead....none of your accessories will work(radio, power windows doors etc) but the motor will run fine. I would make a very safe bet that your alternator is shot. Normally..depending on the car you can get a rebuilt alt for around 125-150 dollars..and that is being generous. I have seen them for as low as 60-70 dollars with the core charge when you bring the old one back. The belt slipping COULD be the problem also...but not likely. Worth checking out though...although i have never seen that happen....but anything is possible with cars. Try tapping the alternator a few time with a heavy duty cresant wrench. Sometimes the internal gear might shift..as i have seen this before. If that doenst work then you will have to replace the alternator, and depending on how new the battery and the name of the battery i would reccomend replacing the battery also. I use Optima Redtop battiers...best on the market in my opinion...pricey..but worth it! Good luck and feel free to pm me if you have any other questions!"Age has absolutely nothing to do with knowledge, learning, respect, attitude, or personality." -yardhippie "Fight the air, and the air will kick your ass!!! "-Specialkaye Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mnealtx 0 #13 January 11, 2007 QuoteWhenthe battery is dead....none of your accessories will work(radio, power windows doors etc) but the motor will run fine. Pardon?Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites normiss 891 #14 January 11, 2007 I dont want them to diagnose...just test the alternator for me to see if it's charging Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marks 0 #15 January 11, 2007 QuoteI dont want them to diagnose...just test the alternator for me to see if it's charging hahaha, ok... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites floridadiver81 0 #16 January 11, 2007 Like i said my post...the PRIMARY purpose for the battery is to start the motor. The accessories are secondary. Sometimes they work...most of hte time they wont...if the battery is completely dead. If im having a problem like this the first thing i do is turn off everything i dont need to drive...meaing all the electrical components...radio...dim my dashboard..etc. You are more likely to get a little more out of the battery when everything is off...vice running things and running hte battery completely dead..to where you are screwed and cant start the car. The OPS' problem is the alternator isnt charging the battery enough to run but for a short time..meaning the alternator isnt sending a charge to the battery to charge it for the next time it is needed. Most car batteries to have residual power even though tey arent getting charge. Comapratively cell phones. The battery will be going dead...you turn it off...wait about 20 minutes..turn it back on and you may have one bar of battery. it drains fast..but still reads one bar. Car batteries are the same way. They may appear to be dead..but in all actuality they arent COMPLETELY dead. Its completely dead when you turn the key and dont get anykind of feedback...complete silence."Age has absolutely nothing to do with knowledge, learning, respect, attitude, or personality." -yardhippie "Fight the air, and the air will kick your ass!!! "-Specialkaye Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mnealtx 0 #17 January 11, 2007 QuoteThe accessories are secondary. Sometimes they work...most of hte time they wont...if the battery is completely dead. I've never seen accessories not work if the engine was running, but other vehicles COULD be wired that way, I suppose. QuoteThe OPS' problem is the alternator isnt charging the battery enough to run but for a short time We don't know that - could be getting partial charge or no charge at all. The battery will recover to an extent if they're not continuing to drain it, obviously.Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites floridadiver81 0 #18 January 11, 2007 Quote We don't know that - could be getting partial charge or no charge at all. The battery will recover to an extent if they're not continuing to drain it, obviously. Exactly what i was trying to say...with more words...I know...keep it simple...."Age has absolutely nothing to do with knowledge, learning, respect, attitude, or personality." -yardhippie "Fight the air, and the air will kick your ass!!! "-Specialkaye Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites sundevil777 102 #19 January 11, 2007 Quoteit started and we took the battery off of the connectors and the car remained running. Quote What kind of car was this? Most cars are not set up like this.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites stitch 0 #20 January 11, 2007 Sounds like a bad ground connection. "No cookies for you"- GFD "I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65 Don't be a "Racer Hater" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jtval 0 #21 January 11, 2007 Quote it is hard to test the other components. so in other words, it could also be all 3. Well, If the alt is shot you can get a good battery in the car and start it up. once it's started you can disconnect thew batttery. if the car dies the alt is bad. if it keeps running its good. Could be the belts, could be a horribly corroded connection. It COULD be that a UFO passed over his car and did all kinds of wierd shit to it. If you don't belive me just watch close encounters of the 3rd kindMy photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mamajumps 0 #22 January 11, 2007 definitly alternator.... but there are a few reasons why it might not be keeping your battery charged, so before you replace the alternator, check the belts and pulleys.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites floridadiver81 0 #23 January 11, 2007 Quote It COULD be that a UFO passed over his car and did all kinds of wierd shit to it. If you don't belive me just watch close encounters of the 3rd kind LOL"Age has absolutely nothing to do with knowledge, learning, respect, attitude, or personality." -yardhippie "Fight the air, and the air will kick your ass!!! "-Specialkaye Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marks 0 #24 January 11, 2007 QuoteQuote it is hard to test the other components. so in other words, it could also be all 3. Well, If the alt is shot you can get a good battery in the car and start it up. once it's started you can disconnect thew batttery. if the car dies the alt is bad. if it keeps running its good. Could be the belts, could be a horribly corroded connection. It COULD be that a UFO passed over his car and did all kinds of wierd shit to it. If you don't belive me just watch close encounters of the 3rd kind depending on the car, I would suggest peeps get out of the habbit of doing this. on newer cars with "fly by wire" and fully computerized electrinics. you can fry actuators and computers. I see it happening more and more, I have fyed a couple myself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jtval 0 #25 January 11, 2007 the ufo thing or the battery swap thing? Why would swapping batteries fry computer components. I'm guessing because the battery still runs the low draw stuff so I guess there is a connection that can surge and pop things. (shows you the last time I had car problems)My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0 Go To Topic Listing
ACMESkydiver 0 #4 January 11, 2007 QuoteAlternator... he was running off the battery. That's what we were thinking, but then why would the battery DIE, but then work again spontaneously? If it was running off of battery, the battery should be DEAD, dead as a door nail...it's weird that it worked after sitting twice.~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #5 January 11, 2007 QuoteIt could be an altornator. a batterry or a connection. it is most likely the altornator. but if any one of those components is failing, it is hard to test the other components. so in other words, it could also be all 3. We're going to pull out the battery and have it tested at the auto shop. That will eliminate that piece to it...maybe.~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #6 January 11, 2007 QuoteQuoteAlternator... he was running off the battery. That's what we were thinking, but then why would the battery DIE, but then work again spontaneously? If it was running off of battery, the battery should be DEAD, dead as a door nail...it's weird that it worked after sitting twice. a good battery will usually do that. it isn't spontaneous, it takes a few minutes of no draw to regenerate slightly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 891 #7 January 11, 2007 one of the few goods things about auto zone...free electrical checks... they will test the alternator...although I wouldn't buy the replacement from THEM!!! belt slipping enough that it charges intermittently? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #8 January 11, 2007 Quoteone of the few goods things about auto zone...free electrical checks... they will test the alternator...although I wouldn't buy the replacement from THEM!!! belt slipping enough that it charges intermittently? I get alot of cars from auto zone miss diagnosed. they come in ALL the time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #9 January 11, 2007 had the same problem years ago on a toyota...bad alt. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #10 January 11, 2007 QuoteQuoteIt could be an altornator. a batterry or a connection. it is most likely the altornator. but if any one of those components is failing, it is hard to test the other components. so in other words, it could also be all 3. We're going to pull out the battery and have it tested at the auto shop. That will eliminate that piece to it...maybe. just charge the battery yourself, if it takes a charge and holds it it is probably fine. if it is able to regenerate some, it is probably fine also. your going to have to have it charged to test it anyway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
downwardspiral 0 #11 January 11, 2007 I would say alternator as well. I find it odd that the car would even start after the first time it quit on him. Probably he wasnt killing the battery, just drawing too much from it all at once (ie headlamps, fog lamps, wiper, heater, cd player on). Also it could be the wiring depending on the age of the vehicle and whether or not salt is used on the roads where you live.www.FourWheelerHB.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
floridadiver81 0 #12 January 11, 2007 I have been into cars for prolly 5 years now..mainly honda/acura. I have had this happen to me twice and other firends numerous times. The only purpose of the battery is to start the car. A motor can run off of the alternator. I know this becasue my friends battery died...and we used my battery to start it..it started and we took the battery off of the connectors and the car remained running. Car batteries react differently depending ont he brand and the cranking amps. If the cranking amps are high...then it will start the car fine...then its up to the alternator to charge the battery to run the distributor to fire the spark plugs. Whenthe battery is dead....none of your accessories will work(radio, power windows doors etc) but the motor will run fine. I would make a very safe bet that your alternator is shot. Normally..depending on the car you can get a rebuilt alt for around 125-150 dollars..and that is being generous. I have seen them for as low as 60-70 dollars with the core charge when you bring the old one back. The belt slipping COULD be the problem also...but not likely. Worth checking out though...although i have never seen that happen....but anything is possible with cars. Try tapping the alternator a few time with a heavy duty cresant wrench. Sometimes the internal gear might shift..as i have seen this before. If that doenst work then you will have to replace the alternator, and depending on how new the battery and the name of the battery i would reccomend replacing the battery also. I use Optima Redtop battiers...best on the market in my opinion...pricey..but worth it! Good luck and feel free to pm me if you have any other questions!"Age has absolutely nothing to do with knowledge, learning, respect, attitude, or personality." -yardhippie "Fight the air, and the air will kick your ass!!! "-Specialkaye Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #13 January 11, 2007 QuoteWhenthe battery is dead....none of your accessories will work(radio, power windows doors etc) but the motor will run fine. Pardon?Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 891 #14 January 11, 2007 I dont want them to diagnose...just test the alternator for me to see if it's charging Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #15 January 11, 2007 QuoteI dont want them to diagnose...just test the alternator for me to see if it's charging hahaha, ok... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
floridadiver81 0 #16 January 11, 2007 Like i said my post...the PRIMARY purpose for the battery is to start the motor. The accessories are secondary. Sometimes they work...most of hte time they wont...if the battery is completely dead. If im having a problem like this the first thing i do is turn off everything i dont need to drive...meaing all the electrical components...radio...dim my dashboard..etc. You are more likely to get a little more out of the battery when everything is off...vice running things and running hte battery completely dead..to where you are screwed and cant start the car. The OPS' problem is the alternator isnt charging the battery enough to run but for a short time..meaning the alternator isnt sending a charge to the battery to charge it for the next time it is needed. Most car batteries to have residual power even though tey arent getting charge. Comapratively cell phones. The battery will be going dead...you turn it off...wait about 20 minutes..turn it back on and you may have one bar of battery. it drains fast..but still reads one bar. Car batteries are the same way. They may appear to be dead..but in all actuality they arent COMPLETELY dead. Its completely dead when you turn the key and dont get anykind of feedback...complete silence."Age has absolutely nothing to do with knowledge, learning, respect, attitude, or personality." -yardhippie "Fight the air, and the air will kick your ass!!! "-Specialkaye Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #17 January 11, 2007 QuoteThe accessories are secondary. Sometimes they work...most of hte time they wont...if the battery is completely dead. I've never seen accessories not work if the engine was running, but other vehicles COULD be wired that way, I suppose. QuoteThe OPS' problem is the alternator isnt charging the battery enough to run but for a short time We don't know that - could be getting partial charge or no charge at all. The battery will recover to an extent if they're not continuing to drain it, obviously.Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
floridadiver81 0 #18 January 11, 2007 Quote We don't know that - could be getting partial charge or no charge at all. The battery will recover to an extent if they're not continuing to drain it, obviously. Exactly what i was trying to say...with more words...I know...keep it simple...."Age has absolutely nothing to do with knowledge, learning, respect, attitude, or personality." -yardhippie "Fight the air, and the air will kick your ass!!! "-Specialkaye Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #19 January 11, 2007 Quoteit started and we took the battery off of the connectors and the car remained running. Quote What kind of car was this? Most cars are not set up like this.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites stitch 0 #20 January 11, 2007 Sounds like a bad ground connection. "No cookies for you"- GFD "I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65 Don't be a "Racer Hater" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jtval 0 #21 January 11, 2007 Quote it is hard to test the other components. so in other words, it could also be all 3. Well, If the alt is shot you can get a good battery in the car and start it up. once it's started you can disconnect thew batttery. if the car dies the alt is bad. if it keeps running its good. Could be the belts, could be a horribly corroded connection. It COULD be that a UFO passed over his car and did all kinds of wierd shit to it. If you don't belive me just watch close encounters of the 3rd kindMy photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mamajumps 0 #22 January 11, 2007 definitly alternator.... but there are a few reasons why it might not be keeping your battery charged, so before you replace the alternator, check the belts and pulleys.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites floridadiver81 0 #23 January 11, 2007 Quote It COULD be that a UFO passed over his car and did all kinds of wierd shit to it. If you don't belive me just watch close encounters of the 3rd kind LOL"Age has absolutely nothing to do with knowledge, learning, respect, attitude, or personality." -yardhippie "Fight the air, and the air will kick your ass!!! "-Specialkaye Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marks 0 #24 January 11, 2007 QuoteQuote it is hard to test the other components. so in other words, it could also be all 3. Well, If the alt is shot you can get a good battery in the car and start it up. once it's started you can disconnect thew batttery. if the car dies the alt is bad. if it keeps running its good. Could be the belts, could be a horribly corroded connection. It COULD be that a UFO passed over his car and did all kinds of wierd shit to it. If you don't belive me just watch close encounters of the 3rd kind depending on the car, I would suggest peeps get out of the habbit of doing this. on newer cars with "fly by wire" and fully computerized electrinics. you can fry actuators and computers. I see it happening more and more, I have fyed a couple myself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jtval 0 #25 January 11, 2007 the ufo thing or the battery swap thing? Why would swapping batteries fry computer components. I'm guessing because the battery still runs the low draw stuff so I guess there is a connection that can surge and pop things. (shows you the last time I had car problems)My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0 Go To Topic Listing
stitch 0 #20 January 11, 2007 Sounds like a bad ground connection. "No cookies for you"- GFD "I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65 Don't be a "Racer Hater" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #21 January 11, 2007 Quote it is hard to test the other components. so in other words, it could also be all 3. Well, If the alt is shot you can get a good battery in the car and start it up. once it's started you can disconnect thew batttery. if the car dies the alt is bad. if it keeps running its good. Could be the belts, could be a horribly corroded connection. It COULD be that a UFO passed over his car and did all kinds of wierd shit to it. If you don't belive me just watch close encounters of the 3rd kindMy photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mamajumps 0 #22 January 11, 2007 definitly alternator.... but there are a few reasons why it might not be keeping your battery charged, so before you replace the alternator, check the belts and pulleys.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
floridadiver81 0 #23 January 11, 2007 Quote It COULD be that a UFO passed over his car and did all kinds of wierd shit to it. If you don't belive me just watch close encounters of the 3rd kind LOL"Age has absolutely nothing to do with knowledge, learning, respect, attitude, or personality." -yardhippie "Fight the air, and the air will kick your ass!!! "-Specialkaye Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #24 January 11, 2007 QuoteQuote it is hard to test the other components. so in other words, it could also be all 3. Well, If the alt is shot you can get a good battery in the car and start it up. once it's started you can disconnect thew batttery. if the car dies the alt is bad. if it keeps running its good. Could be the belts, could be a horribly corroded connection. It COULD be that a UFO passed over his car and did all kinds of wierd shit to it. If you don't belive me just watch close encounters of the 3rd kind depending on the car, I would suggest peeps get out of the habbit of doing this. on newer cars with "fly by wire" and fully computerized electrinics. you can fry actuators and computers. I see it happening more and more, I have fyed a couple myself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #25 January 11, 2007 the ufo thing or the battery swap thing? Why would swapping batteries fry computer components. I'm guessing because the battery still runs the low draw stuff so I guess there is a connection that can surge and pop things. (shows you the last time I had car problems)My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
