power problem

[philosophicaljt]

My car is having issues. I think it needs a new alternator. I'm a 04 with 80k miles.

It wouldn't start this morning. I brought a battery charger. Put it on a 2a 12v trickle, and let it sit for about 2hrs.

Came back, put it on the 6amp 12v charge for about 20 mins.

It would tick, but only when the charger was plugged in and running. As soon as it was disconnected, it sould even click or try and start at all, and the navi screen wouldn't load at all. And engine lights would flash, etc...

I jumped it from my girls ford escape, it ran, but as soon as I turned on the fogs, (headlights/drl still off) the navi screen turned off, and the lights flickered.

WTH is the problem. I let it run for about 10mins on its own, in complete darkness, and when i turned it off and tried to turn it on again, it didn't even click

I am getting a new battery and trying that tomm, but I am guessing its the alt.

Grr.

[dvdchris45]

do you have an aftermarket stereo? (subs, amps, etc..)

[NightRider]

I would think you would need to fully charge the battery to get a start. Because after a full charge and w/ a successful start the car should kick over and run fine. But when you turn it off and let it sit and the car doesnt start then your alt. didn't charge the battery as you were driving around. I would first take the battery to get tested because it's the cheapest route first. Or you can go to your local auto shop and have them test your charging system. Cost like 30-40 bucks I think.

[kingkakyle]

hmmmm
if i understood you correctly its the battery
basically it isn't able to hold a charge
something similar happened to me and i got my battery changed under warranty (happened at like 15-20k)

[philosophicaljt]

I am assuming the battery can't hold a charge.

Anyone got any reccomendations?

[s15lara]

The problem is most likely your alternator. The thing is that the alternator charges the battery. So when the alternator goes out, the car runs on the battery alone, thus draining your battery completely. So what you will have to do is: go to autozone and get your battery tested (they will probably tell you that your battery can be charged or that the battery is completely dead). then you will have to have your alternator checked (also at autozone) and they will tell you that it crapped out. Your battery might be good and just needs a full charge (then again it might be completely dead) but the main problem lies in your alternator.

So... just change your alternator and charge your battery (or buy a new one if its completely dead) and your good to go.

[NightRider]

hey come back and let us know what happends alright? good luck!

[Chinky420]

first and foremost with electrical ....

check your battery: does it have adequate water (if a wet-cell), is it holding a charge (autozone)

if battery ok, then check alternater (autozone)

if neither of these two.....pray and consult SG with updated info

[System_Crash]

sounds like it could be a dead cell; BUT the vehicle should stay running if you're alternator is putting out 13-14 volts / more than enouph to keep the plugs firing. Here is a question for you, will an 04 solara STAY running if you disconnect the batt?
or will it die since the pcm is not hooked to it?
(I know SOME cars are like that but I dono if the solaras are like that)

[philosophicaljt]

The car did stay running, but it everything else was failing.

I replaced the battery, and it is back to normal now.

Though here is something really odd. I had belt whine with the old battery. With the new battery, my belt whine is gone. WTH? Is that a sign of the alternator going bad? OR just a coincidence?

[Down2TheC]

Yup... most always the battery when electrical is goofy. Alternator can have a hard time trying to charge a messed up cell. I've seen some really freaky symptoms in my time. (Car dying when brakes are hit was an odd one. Didn't even suspect battery.)

Your belt situation is because the old batt was putting huge loads on the alternator so it was harder to turn and the belt was slipping a bit. Now it's got a reasonable load so it's not so tough. You should still get a can of belt dressing and give it a coat. All that slipping could have burnt up the surface and you don't want it drying and cracking and what-not.

[Jakecallun20]

Glad you got it fixed, JT. Off topic here, but what is this belt dressing? Can it extend the life of the belt? (Timing or accessory) If so where can I get it? I haven't seen it at autozone before and I'm in there often.

[Down2TheC]

They'll have it at AutoZone or any car parts shop. It's a spray for the belt that makes the surface have better friction. In that it coats the belt, most would say it should extend the life of the belt. If you're not squeaking I wouldn't expect some amazing lifespan. But most will claim to "condition" the belt for longer life. Great fix if you get some minor screams and squeaks in the winter.

http://autorepair.about.com/od/quicktip ... essing.htm

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products ... product=32

http://www.kpg-industrial.com/products/belt_dressing/

[System_Crash]

I myself don't like that " belt dressing/glue" every time I've used it, it made the squeel WORSE. But; I'll tell you one way to take care of that is use dyelectric grease on the top and underside of the belt. This will cure the problem for about 5-6 days but the squeel will NOT go away unless you tighten it or replace that belt.

[gnegroni]

I myself don't like that " belt dressing/glue" every time I've used it, it made the squeel WORSE. But; I'll tell you one way to take care of that is use dyelectric grease on the top and underside of the belt. This will cure the problem for about 5-6 days but the squeel will NOT go away unless you tighten it or replace that belt.

Exactly. This is sold to be some kind of fix for squeaky belts, but its only a temporary remedy. Having a fully functional belt in good condition is always important. Sometimes a lose bolt on alternator bracket mounts or other components can cause belt to be slipping. Either way, careful inspection is the best option.