Well I went out to start my car after it was sitting for an hour and a half to two hours at most. When I turned the key the dash lights turned on (Brake, Seatbelt, etc..). When I turned it to where the engine normally turns over all the lights shut off and the car wouldn't start.

After about 15 minutes my friend arrives and we jump my car. I tried to turn on the headlights so I can drive it around and hopefully get home, But the engine dies. I jump it again and this time the lights turn on. I let it sit for about 15 minutes with the lights on and then drive it home without any problems. When I got it home I turned the car off let it sit for about 5 minutes then started it again with no problems.

Any suggestions? Thanks for reading, and I hope someone can help.

 

do u hear any noises when you try to crank?

 

No, I didn't hear any noises. Just complete silence.

 

Bump for the night. I am probably going to go buy an alternator tomorrow and see if that helps. I will check the battery first of course, but for some reason it doesn't seem like the battery.

Thanks in advance for any help you may give.

- Nick

 

How does your battery cable look? Corrosion can lead to bad startup, it could as simple as that. What does the voltage read before & after the engine stops?

 

sounds like your battery was completely dead but after you let it sit for 15 mins the alternator charged it.

like neko said, corrosion could have also been a factor in this.

usually your car should remain started without a battery, however i know that sometimes with accessories on (lights, heater) it can make the car idle very low, and if your not on the gas slightly, it will almost stall.

clean the terminals, make sure the battery holds charge good, and measure the voltage while the car is on to verify.
most places (shops) will do all this for free by the way.

 

My car is sitting at home damm Alternator went out SAD DAY

 

Thanks for everyone that replied. I will clean the terminals and try again.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by IVI &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> usually your car should remain started without a battery, however i know that sometimes with accessories on (lights, heater) it can make the car idle very low, and if your not on the gas slightly, it will almost stall.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I cleaned my terminals up and the car starts fine. When I turn on my headlights my car does idle very low now, and I don't remember it doing that before. So, my new question is - Is this a bad sign that it idles low with the lights on?

Thanks in advance.

- Nick

 

Another question, I'm supposed to drive to Merced (hour and a half to 2 hour drive) tonight. Do you guys think it would be ok to do this, or should I forget about getting up there?

Thanks

- Nick

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 92tegDA &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I cleaned my terminals up and the car starts fine. When I turn on my headlights my car does idle very low now, and I don't remember it doing that before. So, my new question is - Is this a bad sign that it idles low with the lights on?

Thanks in advance.

- Nick</TD></TR></TABLE>

i would have the battery checked, what kind of battery is this?
it could be signs of a faulty battery.

goto an autoshop, i personally know sears auto center will do this, have the guy who does batteries look over the car (battery, alternator). i used to do this for free for the customers especially if i was given a tip(rare).

they will basically load test the battery to see how well it will hold a charge. it may take up to 45 minutes to complete if the battery is dead so have spare time. they will also check the alternator for excessive voltage drops.

if they do happen to charge you its around 12 dollars i believe.

goodluck.

 

Thanks, I appreciate your comments very much. I'm just wondering do you think it would be safe to take it to merced tonight?

Thanks

- Nick