I checked FAQs but I don't understand it and mostly it talks about flooding.
I cranked the car, it started and then idled at 800 for about 3 seconds, then the RPM dropped to 500 and stayed there for a second then died. Now I turn the key and ......... nothing, not even the electric starter. Did I just run out of battery or is it more serious? So basically it isn't cranking. When my neighbor get's home I'll just jump from his car if I ran out of power. the car has been sitting for a while so maybe it lost charge. It was driven this morning for the first time in 2 weeks but only for 20 mins. Then (new car) I went in and played with the stereo a bit for about an hour, you think I ran the battery too low before letting the engine chagre it? I need help.

 

are you getting ANY sound at all when you hit the key? a clicking or anything?

 

I get a click, sounds like it's comming from the dash and the idiot lights + shift up light comes on.

 

not to be rushy, or post whoring but this is my first car and this is the first day I've owned it so I'm scared. Somebody help me! I'm like getting chills.

 

are you sure the clicking isn't coming from the starter?

probably has low voltage, boost it or chuck in a fresh battery and then try twisting its tail....

also the way it died would indicate low voltage as well, the way you describe the RPM drop sounds to me like the fuel pump was getting little voltage and starved the motor....

 

Okay I just tried it again (like 4th time in 30 mins) It started really slowly, I wasn't goona let the RMP fall and die at idle so I self idled it with my foot at 1500 to keep the engine running then let go to see what it did, it Idled at 800 for a couple of seconds then fell to 500 then died. It restarted right back up though and I did the 1500 self idle again and let it fall back down to 800 then 500 it kep on at 5 but it almost dies several times I just turned it off. Also the driver side door was open, when keeping it at a steady 1500 are you supposed to be able to smell gas?

 

thnas I think it just needs to charge for a while. Nothing driving for a few hours later won't fix. Now it has a little bit of juice ot start and I'll let the alternator do the work with driving. I think my self Idle charged it a tad.

 

If you have a very discharged battery I would not let the ALT recharge it. They are pricey and you may overheat it. Use a battery charger or get a new battery!

 

Ok, I'll do that. New batteries aren't to expensive right? Like $40 or something?

 

get a new battery - probably a bit more than 40 bucks, but Im in cdn dollars here....I have an optima yellow top that I paid 195 for....

Look into an FD alternator swap...although if you still have TMIC, there are some spacing issues - but that sucker will charge it up like no tomorrow

 

Or you could just use a battery charger :p

In fact, if you take it to a car parts store (like Advance), they will check the battery for you, and charge it up if it's low within an hour.

I thought my battery was bad, but it just hadn't been fully recharged (I have a slow-charger).

 

Ok I have a new battery, it works great. Car starts right up, Idles at 800, and the sunroo/power windows move faster. Had to jump off of a Mustang to start it and get it to a Sears autocenter. She purrs and works perfectly. I wanted to say thankyou all for helping me diagnose the problem, and helping me find a solution. I love this website.

 

lol i will agree this site is like god for my rx7...everytime i have a prob someones there to help with it. and my alternator was bad so i got new battery cause it would be dead everytime i turned it off the alternator just wasnt charging the battery enough. and the fd alternator thing is from wut ive heard VERY good like all ur lights n ur car will shine brighter then ever and u can run everything at once and still lights wont dim. righ tnow if i roll down or up a window my lights inside dim idk...how much is a fd alternator anyone know? and where can i find one.

 

good question I've heard that too and I may get one later or something, you may want t ocheck the classifieds and parts wanted section of this site.

 

Silverrotor can get them adapted for FC's

 

do u know price

 

no.....thats Kinda why I said Silverrotor can get them, to indicate to ask him.