Lately, well... ever since I removed my air-pump I've been having some electrical problems. Mainly my problems occur at start-up and shut-down. The car will not always turn over on the first try (especially after really short trips)and it will usually never turn over on the first try if I leave my radio on when the car turns off (b/c it will be on when the car turns back on). I thought that the battery was bad at first (Optima 51R) but I had it replaced with a brand new one and the problems persisted. I then thought it was a bad alternator but the thing pulls over 12volts while running (I think it was about 13.2/13.4). Yesterday when I got back from school I looked at my alternator and noticed that there was dust from the belt being worn down on the ridges around the pulley of the alternator. My thinking is that the belt is either too tight or too loose and thus causing my problems. Would it be wise to switch back to a 5 ribbed belt instead of a 4 ribbed belt? I used a 4 ribbed because it was the only one they had in the right length and we both figured it would do fine. Thanks in advance.

I originally posted this in the advanced engine section but it got no response after 2 days.

 

I don't think you'll find a five-rib in the right size. I have a 4-rib and it works fine (I've also eliminated my airpump. You might need to tighten the belt. You can also check if you have a small battery drain somewhere by taking it to a car parts store. While you are at the parts store you can try buying some belt dressing. It's this tacky spray-on stuff that helps provide some extra traction.

 

Most likely not a battery or alternator problem. Probably the clutch pedal activated start switch against the firewall. Either it is going bad or the plastic button is broken off the pedal.

It can be bypasses with a jumpper wire.

 

But its not a matter of it just not starting, the engine turns over and over and then it will catch and turn on... occasionally it will turn over and over then do a half-*** catch (enough to where I let the key go) and then it stops.

I remember about a month ago, when we had a A LOT of rain, hearing the belt slip... that was my first clue that the belt tension was the issue.

Are there any pointers on how tight the belt should be? I think I will atleast try that spray stuff JONSKI was talking about. And how would they go about telling if I have a small battery drain?

 

Im having that exact same problem ive seen my belt slip..scary...but the belt stuff it made it slip even more for me I used the STP type didn't work. My belt has been fine lastely running pretty good im eventually goin to find a 4 rib...belt that fits. I promise you that

 

Your having the same problem as in the belt just slipping or the car-starting issues?

 

Both...my battery drains extremely quickly as if its the alternator but when driving with load on..i still get the same voltage as if the car was off...and I get slipping some im wondering if its the belt or the tension i have no idea..yet..this weekend ill change the things though