So about a week ago I was at a stop light and went to take off and couldn't because my car had died. I sat in the middle of the road and about 2 minutes later the car started back up. I was concerned, but really didn't make anything of it because it didn't happen again. Now, 2 days ago I noticed my car had a loss of electrical power and the battery light came on. I went to autozone to have them test my battery and alternator. First, the guy tested the alternator and said it was bad, but then another guy said you can't test the alternator if the battery is bad, so he tested my battery and said it needed replaced. We replaced it and checked the alternator, he said it was fine.

Later that night I was driving and all my indicator lights came on, my radio shut off, and spoiler went up on its on. Then I noticed my headlights weren't very bright. The next day I was driving to take it back to have the alternator and the new battery tested(thinking it may have a bad terminal). Well while on my way there all the indicator lights, air stopped blowing, spoiler, radio, ..etc came back on. Then I noticed the car started to chug and suddenly die. I waited a few minutes and got it to start back up. Autozone was too far away, so I decided to turn back home to avoid being stranded. Well, I made it back home and now the car is stuck in the garage. I am currently charging the battery in hopes it will last long enough to get me to autozone.

My first thought was that it is the alternator, but honestly have no idea. Any thoughts on what might be the issue?

Sorry for the long description. I just wanted to tell the entire story to avoid leaving any info out.

 

Do a search for "no start issue" you will find lots of info.

 

First, after your comfortable with the full charging of your (new) battery, you or AutoZone need to take some voltage reading across that battery.

At rest and engine not running, it should read at 12.5 volts or slightly higher.

With engine running it should read 14 volts or slightly higher to show correct Alternator charging.

If your okay that the battery and charging are good, then check out this link on the Mystery No Start:

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...-no-start.html

 

Okay thanks, I will try some voltage reading. As for the Mystery No start: I checked the RCM about a month or so ago and it was fine, but I will try checking it again.

 

Go to walmart and get one of these, Free info and a durn good tool for the car guy, everyone needs to have one for the cars they own.................WOODY

Walmart.com: Search Results for "battery monitor"

LESS THAN $20,,,,,,,,,,DO THIS AND BE SURE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

BTW to fix the electrical system here is the old school bottom line. Read the voltage in the cigarette lighter with the monitor, and record it. Start the car, the voltage should be about 1 volt OR MORE higher while running

Turn on the head lights and note that the voltage does not fall below the off voltage.

A good alternator will keep car running AFTER you start it and then disconnect the battery. Below 12 volts is all wrong as is anything near 15 volts except in Dakota on a Janurary morning for the first 2 minutes...................

WOODY

 

Some car makers are adamant about not disconnecting the battery while car is running. I don't know why.
Will CF tolerate this test?

 

DO not be satified with an eyeball check of solder joints on the RCM, most would recommend looking closely with a magnifier.

Others would say if your comfortable with an iron in your hand, hit those joints with some hot solder.

Best case it solves your issue, worst case you got peace of mind.

Typically no crank but lights = RCM.

Engine hot, then dies, Cranks hot but no start, restarts later after a nap = faulty CPS (Crank Position Sensor).

 

I never suggest you run your car with the battery disconnected. You may get by with it 99 times, but that 1 time is all it takes. I am not an electrical engineer, but I have seen the aftermath of such practice. Todays electronics are so delicate and sensitve, any voltage spike, etc. can do a lot of damage.

James

 

Woody didn't either but It could be misinterpreted.

 

Woody didn't either but the last paragraph could be misinterpreted on a quick read like I did.