Random problems, Need Help
 

Hey,
I have an s4 N/A w/ 145,000 miles and I have a few problems. First off, the car cranks just slow enough to catch and sometimes, it doen't catch and just floods. Also electrical; I recently replaced my cpu board that contols my warning lights/clock/horn, and even though my horn works and the warming lights work, the clock is still dead. Third, after I replaced the aforementioned cpu board, my radio/ electrical power in general keptcutting in and out. When this was going on, I was idling; the problem did not exsist while driving, and after about 10 seconds at idle would reoccur. During this the voltmeter was aternating between 13.6 and 10 according to the current elecrical state of the car.
On to the motor. During the cranking, I am geting alot of white smoke-possibly coolant because it smells fairly sweet and is very heavy smoke. The smoke disappeares once the car is warmed up. Please help, as this is my dd and I would like it to be as reliable as possible. Thanks much.

ok, here is what you gotta do. Go to the cars for sale section and post your car in there. JK, But for real. sell your car ;)

lemme just throw some simple stuff at you

Car cranks slow? = loose battery connections or low battery

Clock is dead = it's normal, the clock usually goes bad due to bad solder joints. Either re-solder this or dont bother.

Radio keeps cutting out = possible wiring problem, check how the radio is wired up. There is a certain way to wire the radio otherwise it will effect your car. Sounds like a crappy ground on your radio.

White smoke on start up = this is usually normal. Just make sure you check your oil and see if you have any water in your oil.

It's not just the radio; for example, when I'm driving at night and the radio cuts out, my voltmeter drops to 10V and all the lights in my car dim also. As soon as I start driving, the problem disappears. Thanks

sounds to me like your alt is dead or close to it the s4 alt can barely keep up with the demands of the car

ya i had a s4 alt and it was barely keeping my car charged, now i have a s5 alt and it sucks too but its better then the old one.

What other alternators are out there that can fit on an s4? Thanks

well it seems like your alternator isnt completely worthless. Try to rebuild it

Check your battery or alt.