vex

Well, it's been about 6 weeks since I've had a problem with the car not starting at all. A few weeks ago I replaced the alternator, and everything was working nicely. Until a couple of days ago. Then it felt like the car was really laboring to turn over.

It would crank a couple of times VERY slowly (a few seconds per crank), and slowly get quicker until it was at normal speed.

So last night I came out of the restaurant, and tried to crank it over. NOTHING. Like it was a dead battery. Push started, and it started fine.

Went to the hotel my buddy was staying at, went inside for a couple of hours. When I went to start my car, again, NOTHING. So we tried push starting it again - did not work. Even tried to push it with his car (this is after 15 minutes of pushing, believe me neither of us wanted this, but I had to work at 6am this morning so I could not rely on the girlfriend for a ride - I needed my car).

That did NOT work. ****. Pulled out a DMM and tested the battery - got a reading of 12.46. WTF.

I have no idea what is wrong with my car. I am just thankful it is -5c and my car is going into hiding for the winter anyway. Shitty thing is, that my car is sitting in a hotel parking lot. Beautiful.

Any ideas of what's wrong?

88 Rag

but what does the battery read while cranking? a shot battery will say 12v, but when cranking its possible to drop well below 9v

vex

Didn't test while cranking... it was freezing cold outside, and 1am. Said to hell with it and cought a cab.

It won't crank though, I turn the key and it's like there is no battery .... no activity at all.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

sounds like the starter is going on ya...sound like it's just not gettin enough juice?..struggles to crank the engine over..sometimes nothing?..if you've ruled out the battery( load test it at an auto place),and you.ve already replcaced the alternator..then you can pretty well look at the starter as the enemy...self test. (starter out). grab a set of cables.. USE a good battery.....negative to starter housing (where you put the bolt is ok.).touch positive to solenoid should jump ..may catch ya off guard so be ready..if you have a spare starter inyour back pocket ,swap it out...idea thrown your way anyway..ask about i'm not the only pencil on the desk!!!!good luck to ya

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

at 12.6 volts (battery level) is a tad low ...you could leaning towards the battery too..as i said before load test it at an auto shop..(they do it free 'cause they want to sell you a new one) The reason for this addition reply is because i once had a vehicle(OLDS)..and when the alternator went ,beacause it caused so much strain on the battery ..it took the battery along with it..a little more to work with anyhow...again it's your call..youve already done one of 3 main things (alt)..those i posted are the other two.BYE!