I have a problem, actually I think it is a combination of problems. First my battery is not holding a charge, I would go to get the battery tested if I could get my ignition switch to work. When I turn the key fromm ACC to on everything turns off and nothing happens. When I turn it back to acc all the gauges come back on, only not as bright. I have to keep turing it off and back to acc a couple of times to get the guages to come on as bright as they should. My neighbor/minor mechanic thinks it could be my alternator or starter thats draining my battery, but what is causing the ignition to not work properly. Could it be two seprate problems? Sorry for the long post.

 

What? He thinks the alternator is draining the battery? - i guess thats possible if the diodes were fucked.........but not that likley.

The starter isn't draining the battery - unless you hear a screetching noise coming from that area constantly. Well, its draining the **** out of the battery when you're trying to start - but realize the starter needs a hell of a lot of amps to start the car. If your battery cannot produce those amps(because it can't hold a charge) replace your battery. I bet thats the problem.

Change your battery if it won't hold a charge, the check for fuel, spark, and if none of that works - check compression.

Get a new battery, then have a friend crank the car - use your ears and listen to see if something unordinary is happening. Good luck.

If they come on - and they're not bright at all........your BATTERY! THats the power source for the entire vehicle when the car is not running. If you have it in the on possision - its draining from the battery. Sounds like your battery is weak as expletive. Hey, get a Die Hard battery - they're the ****.

 

thanks king pin, from the other posts i've read of yours you seem to know what your talking about. I'll pick up a new battery right after work. Sort of a noob question but i've never bought a battery before is ther a certain amp rating it should be? I know its 12 volt but is there a certain size the terminals are supposed to be? Thanks for any input.

 

For the most part, the terminals will be the same. Whever you go, someone will point you to the correct battery. Just make sure you get top-mount terminals instead of side-mount.

oh, and I don't know ****. I probably know 1/2 of what some of these guys know - like mgags and precision....just trying to learn from some of the best.