So I get in my car to come home from school. I turn the key to start it, and everything seems to start fine, but when I let go of the key after it is started that car starts to bog then dies. I do this 2 or 3 times, and on the third time I leave the key turned and rev the engine to like 5.k This seems to fix the problem as the car starts up and idles just like normal.

However, I notice as I am driving the clock is really dim, and the ABS light is on. When I downshift to second and keep the RPM's at around 4, everyhting seems to power up again and the light goes off.

At this point I am almost home. I take a turn in 2nd at about 2.5k RPM's uphill, and as soon as the car starts to go up the hill, everything shuts off. I try to start it again and the same thing happens as when I first had the problem. Even keeping the key turned and revving the engine doesnt help, seeing as after I do that it just dies again.

Another wierd thing is that the Accessory position does not work anymore. Usually the lights inside the car are on when the key is in ACC, but now there is nothing. If I turn the key to start it without the clutch in however everything goes on like normal. I had the battery replaced about 4 months ago and a new starter about 2 months ago.

Any ideas people? It seems the car did fine when a light load was applied, but whenever I was in low RPM's, or trying to go up a hill, thats when the problems occoured. Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks all!

 

check the voltage on your battery... if it's low or zero, it probably has something to do with the alternator.... if the battery still has power, maybe it's your voltage regulator..........the alternator's max output is around 3 grand, so if your battery was low, when the engine was revved high enough the voltage output of the alternator would increase to the point where it could compensate for the low battery... so perhaps it's more likely to be an issue with your voltage regulator.. that's all i can think of right now....

 

thanks artifex....morning bumptydump!

 

 

yup, id go with what the other guy said too. sounds like a charging system problem. check the voltage of your battery with no load and full load. voltage regulator seems to be the culprit, if not internals of the alternator. just make sure the cables of the battery are in good contact and not corroded, but you said it starts up fine, so go with the other dude's advice

 

i am almost positive that your battery is dead. either you got a defective battery or your alternator is not charging your battery. you may want to also check if your alternator belt is tight.

 

i was thinking the same...but the car starts up perfectly. It almost seems like a fuel problem ?? When the car starts, it all the sudden seems to run out of steam, and bog down and die. Could it be its not getting any fuel?

 

i made the assumption it was a charging system problem because you said the lights were dimming??? if they are, then it is most likely a charging system problem. if not, then it could be a fuel problem. how long has it been since you've changed your fuel filter?? if its been over 60k miles, you should do that, it could even be the problem in the first place. affordable and you need a new one to properly maintain your car, so why not?

 

took the car to the dealership, they found the problem. It turns out the contacts in the ignition were worn down...so when the key was turned it would start, but when the key wasnt turned, the contacts werent touching anymore and everything would die. I guess when everything was dim, the contacts were barely touching, and when the car died, I made a turn which caused them to not touch at all.

$120(fix the contacts) + $55 (tow fee) + $75 (troubleshooting).

well, atleast she's running again


Modified by integration at 11:50 PM 10/7/2003