The best way for me to explain the problem is to outline how it happened. I woke up at 6 AM to go to work and the car started up fine, let it warm up for about 5 minutes than I left. I first noticed something was wrong when my radio turned off. It than turned back on for a split second and than turned off and remained off. Than my ABS light came on along with my seatbelt light. I also noticed my lights start to dim and I could barely read my clock, so I turn around and head home. On my way home I put the car in neutral and the RPMS went down to 200, stayed there for a little than my car shut off completely as I coasted to my house. MY first guess was an alternator problem but here's the kicker....

About 6 hours later at noon, I went to start up the car to see what would happen and wouldn't you know, it started right up like there was no problem. Keep in mind the battery is not new, its about 1.5 years old. It warmed up a little bit and I drove it around the neighborhood and it did the exact same thing as earlier that day. It died and than I coasted to my house. Tried to start it back up and I had no power.

Does anyone know what could be causing this? My first instinct was the alternator but I had to second guess myself when it started up again only six hours later without a jump or anything. Anybody have any clue whats happening?

Cliffs: Car starts up fine in morning, drive a little bit, loses power, car stalls. Six hours later, car starts right back up but same symptoms after a few minutes. I'm left confused and frustrated


Modified by dohctor_B at 7:05 PM 1/5/2008

 

what is your normal idle at startup? and when warmed without driving?

 

Warm idle is about 700 or 800 RPM. Cold idle right when I start the car is at about 1500 RPM

 

well since your idle seems fine, and at a dead stop it acts normal, but not when driving...my next step would be to check your grounds...should be 4 of them(don't quote me) and if they are loose they could be causing tis problem

 

The last time I started it, I had to keep it revving in order to keep it from stalling out, and that was standing still. If I let the RPM's drop to idle speed, than it would die. I think the only reason it stays running the longest at a dead stop is because I am not drawing any power. When I stepped on the brakes at a dead stop, it tried to die until I gave it more gas to keep it running. And today I can't even start it at all. So I think it might be the alternator but I will check the grounds first. Thanks

 

My guess is is that it is your altnerator and soon it will be your battery because you are continually killing it by starting your car until it dies.

Think of a flashlight. How many times have you turned a flashlight on and then the light fades until it shines no more.... but wait 30 mins and turn it on and you'll get light again.. for a few mins and then it turns off. That's what is happening to your car.

The alternator is not working but the battery is. It's starting your car but not recharging (due to alternator) so after a few mins it runs out of juice and dies. Wait awhile, vroom it starts again and then dies. Since you've done that numerous times I bet your battery is now dying/dead too.

I'd replace both the alternator and the battery. My guess is that'll fix the problem.
-Rik

P.S. You did check that there was an alternator belt still there right?

 

your welcome and if not grounds then i agree with him ^.....belt, alternator, and battery replacement if you have the money

 

Haha, yes there is a belt on the alternator. Anyway, I've only started it about 3 times since it first died.

I took it to advance auto parts and they claimed my battery was shot, but I'm not sure if that had to do with me starting it up the 3 times after it died or not. They couldn't test the alternator since e couldn't keep the car running.

Well I pretty much need to buy a new battery anyway since it is dead. Hopefully the battery is all it takes and the alternator is still fine, it is only 2-3 years old.

If it does turn out to be the alternator, I think I might replace the brushes first since I've heard that can do the trick.

Thanks for your help.