Then my leading isn't working right cuz it wouldn't run, well it did but barely.

Checking compression and voltage are easy and quick. They can be both done with very limited tools and time (i.e. less time than buying an alternator). Borrow a voltmeter and compression gauge if need be. See my sig. for the FSM, look at the troubleshooting section, and go from there.

The car should have ran fine when it was started and hooked up to another running car (you mentioned a truck, actually). You have to diagnose the problem systematically to narrow it down to what system is affected. Don't ignore easy things like a loose vacuum hose or intake duct.

Just to update....

Dealer says my issue was a bad altenator and a toasted battery. They offered to fix it for the low price of $495.

I drove it home ( bad Alternator and all ) and will be upgrading to the FD alternator this weekend. I guess I need to test the Optima and see if it's really toast.

Good luck and listen to the guys that have been here for awhile. I'm new to the rotary, so I'm learning a lot from this forum.

Rob

how much did the dealership charge you for the diagnostic?

My optima is COMPLETELY dead, and i have to have someone jumpstart my car to see if it will run everytime i think ive fixed it.

BUT i just found this plug that wasnt connected, and i was wondering if it was a sensor that would keep my car from running? or if its not that big of deal?

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/c...04-08_1753.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/c...04-08_1752.jpg

$95 for the diag. I had no idea what was wrong at the time my car died. Acted like one of those cars where the UFO flys over and all the electronics die, then 15 min later it's fine.

and yes, all of the sensor's are important until proven otherwise. Does the car run better now with the sensor plugged in?

I cant start it because my batteries dead.
I have to ask my neighbor to jumpstart it everytime i think ive fixed it. lol
So i need someone to jump it.

first wow icemark stopped helping you. go and get a battery charger and 2 simple tools (compression checker & voltmeter). and then maybe someone can actually help you

Its kind of hard, since i have no way to get anywhere to buy that stuff.
When i can i will.
What is that sensor? (pics)

well im not sure but im gonna check the fsmhttp://www.cochran-racing.com/FSM/index.html and most questions can be answered by looking there.

Check the FSM to answer questions like that, pfsantos has it in his sig.

if your car is an s5 its the intake air thermosensor. you now owe me a cookie

Can you hear if your fuel pump is running?

You can tell us the battery voltage from the volt gauge in the car.

The air intake temperature is an important tool for the engine managment.

I doubt that is what caused your problem though.

If the can will stay running at wide open throttle but not anywhere else, it is most likely a vacuum leak. look for a vacuum line that popped off.

Spark notes:
Check if Fuel pump is running and if you have vacuum leaks.

let me clarify my previous post... The fuel pump is obviously running while cranking, but is it running while idling? The fuel pump will not come on unless the AFM sees air flow, with a large boost leak, this could be the problem.

Also, I see you have the intercooler removed, you are bypassing it with a piece of pvc or something when trying to run the car, right? It is also ok to reconnect the intercooler before starting, but the car won't run without a connection there.

(I guess that you probably know this, but it never hurts to mention it.)

Yeah, i just took it off to look for stuff.
I always put everything back together before i try to start it.

But you have a way to go out and buy a new alt and spark plugs???

The alternator was the first thing i thought it was, so i got a ride to go get it.
Someone else got me the plugs when they were already at the place.

icemark i thought you were done helping this guy?

I am... I was making fun of him... not helping him.

lol what else does he have to do? probably nothing, since he has 26, 000 posts! lol:rlaugh:

well if you can get a ride from someone you can get the tools and answer your questions.

Yeah, my friends gonna help me with it.
Thanks. :)

actually I have a lot more... I keep deleting a couple thousand off every now and then

I wouldn't make fun of someone trying to help you, especially Icemark. Just my two cents.

Wasnt really trying to make fun of him.
He was obviously making fun of me.
If someones gonna be a dickhead about it, then i dont even want there help.