streetwize

iTrader: (12)

Hy fellas gonna explain my issue as detailed as possible. Was out driving my 7 today, went to the store and pulled into parking lot. Noticed a warning beeping sound of some sort and pulled into parking spot and triedto roll up windows. They were moving slower then ever. I went into the store came out in 10 minutes and tried to start my car. NOTHING. All that happened was a clicking sound and and my cluster lights were very dim and voltage read 8. Its a brand new battery. Finally had it jumped, removed the cables and noticed the voltage jumping from 12 to 8 then eventually car stalled out. i jumped it again, removed the cables and voltage dropped and car just sputtered in first gear then dies out again. The car wont start with out a jump.
I heard to check the alternator, or it may be something electrical as in wires crossing or not tightened. If you can please point me in the right direction to begin the search for the problem i would appreciate it. THANKS...

clokker

iTrader: (2)

Begin- and probably, end- your search with the alternator.
Sounds like the integrated voltage regulator is dead...most chain stores (Autozone, Checker, etc.) can test to confirm.

streetwize

iTrader: (12)

O.K. I think the starting problem is fixed. The connection in behind the alternator was not fully connected. Snaped it back in and jumped the car and it started right up. Removed the cables and voltage was normal.

BUT.... I do notice that the voltage meter jumps slightly when accesories are used like the wipers and windows. Does this mean that I have a short somewhere???

MazdaMike02

iTrader: (4)

The voltage meter isn't entire accurate same as the boost gauge. There isn't too many components to the Charging system either its usually pretty easy to figure out. If your idiot cluster lights are flashing thats almost always the alternator.

If your incapable of doing such things yourself take it to a shop and ask for an AVR test. (Amperage, Voltage, Resistance).

Also your starter ground HAS to be clean and the surface under it too or it'll just click. Easiest way to check that is use jumper cables to create another ground.

R.O.D

iTrader: (3)

the fc alternator is pretty weak, if im holding the brake down with the blinker on and the wipers going and the rear defroster on, the car just nearly dies. you could clean up or rewire all your grounds, that would help a bit. you could also put in another vehicles higher amp alternator in. but that requires a little more know how then some ppl have

streetwize

iTrader: (12)

Thanks guys... I'll try checking out the grounds, then try the AVR test and ill post up results.

hhn2002

^thats completely normal

alot of times non car savy ppl will simply think their battery is bad because it doesnt start and then they go and buy a new one only to have the car soon die again bc they didnt get their alternator checked before they buy a new battery they waste their money when its really the alternator that was bad.

streetwize

iTrader: (12)

I tested the alternator today at autozone and it passed. and the battery is 2 weeks old. i also forgot tomention that when i start my car and i turn the key to turn on the accessories the wipers "jump". and the wipers only work on the high setting...

hhn2002

yea the problem with most fc's are the wiper switchs are bad. search around the forum on how to fix it.