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12/04/2006 10:40:37 AM · #1 |
| last night my battery died after I left my blinkers on while getting groceries; but a friend gave me a jump and everything was back to normal and I was able to come home. But this morning, the battery was dead again! I got another jump, drove around for a bit; but as soon as I parked and shut the car off, it would not start without a jump. What should I do? :( |
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12/04/2006 10:43:14 AM · #2 |
You need a new battery or your alternator is fried. First get the alternator checked and if it still recharges, then you know the battery is the problem.
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12/04/2006 10:44:21 AM · #3 |
| When you turn the key, does it turn over really slowly, or does nothing happen? It could be one of two things; Either you need a new battery cause that one isn't holding any charge. Or there's something wrong with the electrics which recharge the battery. |
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12/04/2006 10:44:35 AM · #4 |
One of two things are possible:
- The battery died suddenly. That's not uncommon, sometimes a short or open will develop and cause the battery to fail rapidly.
- The charging system is not charging the battery.
In order to diagnose it, you'll have to take it somewhere where they have the equipment to test it. |
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12/04/2006 10:57:43 AM · #5 |
| What comes to my mind is how long were you in the market? Even an hour doesn't seem like enough to drain the battery with just the blinkers on. Now if you parked it overnight with the blinkers on that would be different, so maybe the battery was already on it's last leg? |
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12/04/2006 11:02:21 AM · #6 |
I'm wondering how the blinkers stayed on. They go off when the ignition does unless the hazards are on. And if you left it running with the blinkers on, then the blinkers didn't kill it.
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12/04/2006 11:06:28 AM · #7 |
| It's likely your battery - cold snaps like we experienced in the last day or so often take already weak batteries down completely. It IS worth having your alternator checked, tho' - many auto parts stores will check it for free right there in the parking lot (NAPA, Murrays, Autozone, etc.). |
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12/04/2006 11:07:01 AM · #8 |
| ok so to clarify, I left the hazard blinkers on, I was in the store for about 10 minutes. When the key is turned, there's no response from the engine; and the "check engine", "battery", and "oil" warning lights all come on. |
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12/04/2006 11:08:32 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by shamer:
It's likely your battery - cold snaps like we experienced in the last day or so often take already weak batteries down completely. It IS worth having your alternator checked, tho' - many auto parts stores will check it for free right there in the parking lot (NAPA, Murrays, Autozone, etc.). |
Yup....on both counts. Not starting unless you jump start usually means the battery is dead. Your car can run off the alternator, but it won't charge the battery enough to start your car, though the lights might work. Once you stop the car, you can't start it because the battery wouldn't charge up.
Added:When it doesn't start, can you turn on your headlights? If you can, are they BRIGHT or pretty dim?
Message edited by author 2006-12-04 11:10:00.
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12/04/2006 11:11:13 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by peterish:
ok so to clarify, I left the hazard blinkers on, I was in the store for about 10 minutes. When the key is turned, there's no response from the engine; and the "check engine", "battery", and "oil" warning lights all come on. |
The fact that the dash warning lights come on means that the battery is putting out *some* voltage. I assume that when the key is turned, the lights dim or go out? Does the engine make a clicking sound?
Bottom line, it still could be either the battery or the charging system. Have it diagnosed. |
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12/04/2006 11:20:10 AM · #11 |
| Also it might be worth actually going on a bit of a journey once you get the car going. |
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12/04/2006 11:23:51 AM · #12 |
| I'm placing my bets on the battery. Frequently, if they are old, if you run them down, they never quite recover from that. How old is the battery? Batteries tend to last 4-6 years before they need replacing. If it is that old, it's probably time for a new one. Good luck. |
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12/04/2006 11:24:58 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
The fact that the dash warning lights come on means that the battery is putting out *some* voltage. I assume that when the key is turned, the lights dim or go out? Does the engine make a clicking sound?
Bottom line, it still could be either the battery or the charging system. Have it diagnosed. |
yeah the dashboard lights are very dim, and flickers; and yes, the engine makes a clicking sound. |
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12/04/2006 11:48:49 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by peterish:
Originally posted by kirbic:
The fact that the dash warning lights come on means that the battery is putting out *some* voltage. I assume that when the key is turned, the lights dim or go out? Does the engine make a clicking sound?
Bottom line, it still could be either the battery or the charging system. Have it diagnosed. |
yeah the dashboard lights are very dim, and flickers; and yes, the engine makes a clicking sound. |
Definitely a dead battery. However, that may be a symptom rather than the disease. If you have a Sears Automotive in the area, they will check your charging system for free in most places. That way you can make an informed decision on whether you need just a new battery, or some other component in the charging system. |
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12/05/2006 10:53:24 AM · #15 |
| Peter, check the battery terminals and make sure they are not corroded. Use sandpaper on the terminals and the inside of the connectors. Then check the fluid levels in each cell and top up with distilled water, as needed. If it still will not hold a charge, have the battery and alternator checked - most parts stores will do this for free. If all this fails, go out and buy a new car! {;-) |
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12/05/2006 11:34:38 AM · #16 |
If the car cracks it is NOT the batery or the altenator but another problem. IF the lights are dim the change the battery (which you should probably do anyway) and adding tap water will act the SAME as distilled. Don't worry about the terminals until last because thats usually not the problem. Most of the time the batteries are old and can be saved for a short time by topping them up but batteries are not that expensive just make sure to get one that has enough cold cranking amps for your needs (NOT the cars needs-which refers to the climate to which you live/work in mostly). Altenators have almost nothing to do with starting and only charge your battery.
If the engine cranks but won't turn over then its sometihng else which is usually to fix.
What kind of car is it??? How old is it as well as how old is the battery???
Most stores will only test the altenator for free IF it is out of the car and they usually will tell you that it is weak which is why I would not recommend that unless you are sure. After battery replacement you will know. |
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12/05/2006 01:25:06 PM · #17 |
depends on the age model of the car. On older cars the engine will crank really slow if the battery has just enough juice to turn it.
On newer cars there is a cut off switch that won't allow the engine to crank at all unless there is enough juice to fully crank it. Thanks to this, a dead battery can often look like more serious problems. I beleive this is because someone figured cranking at sub optimal amps can cause damage to the car?
If your battery died from the hazards being on for 10 minutes, clearly the battery needs to be replaced. If the alternator wasn't charging and the battery was spent you would have had problems while driving. Also, if it took a jump and ran fine afterward, the alternator is working.
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12/05/2006 10:45:30 PM · #18 |
I was a mechanic in a previous life, at a Ford dealership in the 70's, and one of the most common causes of the symptoms that you describe are corroded battery terminals, followed closely by batteries that suddenly go dead when the weather changes from warm to cold. After a jump off, turn the lights on and the turn signal. If the lights get much brighter or the turn signal speeds up when you speed up the engine, the charging system is working, but the battery or battery connections are most suspect.
Good luck with this, my bet is the battery. They last about 2 years generally, even the expensive ones.
In the worst case, make a photo essay out of the adventures related to this problem, or walk and shoot pics where you happen to get stranded while you wait for help. It's a photo forum here y'a know. |
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12/05/2006 10:59:19 PM · #19 |
Just get an AVR done on it
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12/07/2006 04:20:23 PM · #20 |
I have a simliar issue (can anyone help?)
I have a '79 300 TD Benz (Deisel) and now that the weather in L.A. has got a bit chilly (don't laugh) the car won;t turn over in the mornings only. it starts any other time. Even in the evening with it being cold. But after over night, it won't turnover w/o a jump. Kreagan Auto recommended a 50/50 Prestone mix for my radiator, which worked for the last 2 mornings except THIS morning, which was cold (47F). I need a jump but once i get the jump the car has no issues (i can turn off and on all day w/o issue.)
Someone mentioned a spray for the carborator...any thoughts on that? What should i do?
thanks |
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12/07/2006 04:26:51 PM · #21 |
well I have been reading this thread and yes like what everyone is saying start with replacing your battery or the terminals. My battery died once and soon as I put a new one in it was like new.
For mrandle99 maybe check the spark plug wires, I know when my car would not start on cold rainy/wet days it was the spark plug wires. Got them change and my car started right up, no more problems any more.
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12/07/2006 04:28:30 PM · #22 |
thank you, i'll give that a shot. Anyone with an opinion on a "carborator spray?"
thanks |
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12/07/2006 06:54:40 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by mrandle99:
thank you, i'll give that a shot. Anyone with an opinion on a "carborator spray?"
thanks |
either. but it just sounds to me like your glow plugs are old and should be replaced. either is not recommended for carborators but for deisel only. it's what they use to start cold trucks. diesels usually come with a block heater (not that you should need one) but it may be a short term solution usually at a high price because of electricity prices.
Also try turning the car "ON" without starting it for about 30 sec. and let the glow plugs wram up completely even after the start light come on (if equiped in the car). This is also recommended for all fuel injected cars. (exception: carborated cars) |
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