Car problems: Bad alternator?

[Hoeboy]

The other day my car started to act weird. I would turn the ignition all the way before igniting the car and usually all the dashboard/clock lights would come on but it didn't. After a few seconds they went on. I turned on the ignition and the car would turn on but won't kick in. Took maybe 2-3 tries. Usually it turns on in 1 try. I'm pretty sure it's not the cold weather.

So while I was driving the clock kepts going off and then coming back on like it's losing power. Everytime I parked somewhere and got back in later, I would have to turn the ignition a couple of times to start the car. Finally as I was getting off the freeway all my dashboard lights went off including my clock. My headlights and emergency lights still worked though but I noticed as I press on the gas, the car doesn't accelerate. I pulled to the side and my car wouldnt start back up. Had to call a tow truck. So what's the dealio?

btw, honda accord '93

 

[Looney]

Yep, sounds like your alternator is bad.

 

[killface]

Probably the alternator, but could be as simple as a loose belt.

 

[PsychoAndy]

its a bad alternator, causing your battery to discharge more (when the diodes go bad they reverse polarity and pull, not add power from the battery)
or you've just got a dead battery.

head over to a battery place, and they can usually tell you if your battery needs changing, you have a dead alternator, or both

 

[oLLie]

Man somethin like that happened to me. It was freaky I was driving on the fereway and I heard this *snap* *fwoosh*.... no more engine power.... very very lucky I could pull over to the shoulder. Found out that somehow one of my belts had snapped. Now my car has trouble starting so I guess I need to get a new starter?

 

[db]

Yeah, check for loose/gone belt and loose electrical connections on alternator, battery, etc.
If you just buy a battery and still have the same problem, you'll still need to do the above.

 

[bgruver]

Yes, it sounds like it's problems with the alternator. Most auto parts stores have mobile testers that they use to test alternators and batteries. Take it to a parts store and ask them to check the output of your alternator. They'll whell out the tester and hook it up to your battery. Then you'll have to rev the car to about 2000RPM for them to check out the alternator output volts. It won't take longer than 10 minutes.

 

[brandonl]

Try jumping your car to someone else .. hold around 2 - 2.5k RPM for about 30 seconds. Disconnect, drive around a minute. Park and turn off engine for about 5-10 minutes. Then try starting it again and let it sit idling for a minute or two.


That is one way. If it cuts out its yer alternator.

If it won't start while jumping or cuts off when u take cords off .. it MIGHT be your battery too.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Sounds like a dead alternator. If it was working, the car would most likely run fine as long as you could get it started. The battery is probably just dead from not being recharged by the alternator. It might recharge....or it might not. See if it'll jump off and get it somewhere that can check the charging system.

 

[Antisocial Virge]

On older cars we would get it running and pull a battery clamp off. If it kept running the alternator was usually good. If it died the alternator was bad. Simple

 

[cmf21]

Make sure you check the 30a fuse under the hood. They tend to blow alot and only cost a few dollars. I've had to replace mine a few times when I thought it was my alternator. In your case it's probably the alternator.

 

[DuffmanOhYeah]

Edit: nevermind, I need to read the whole thing before I post.

 

[Ornery]

Didn't you tow it to a garage? They can check it in a heartbeat.

If the engine is spinning easily, then I doubt it's the battery. If you don't own a VOM, buy one. $20.00 should do it and they always come in handy. With the car turned off, check the voltage on the battery. Start the car and check the voltage. It should be a couple volts higher. If it's the same or lower, the alternator may be bad, or a connection from the alternator is corroded or broken. If it's a couple volts higher, then it's time to look elsewhere. Your ignition switch may even be funky. There's also relays that transfer power to the ignition and one of those may be corroded or carboned up. That would need to be tracked down by a good mechanic. Or should I say technician?

 

[desertdweller]

Its not an alternator problem, if it were, you're car wouldn't start at all because the battery would not have a charge.
Those symtoms sound like corosion on the battery terminals or in the battery cables.

Remove the cables, clean the connectors and check for discoloration on the positive (red) battery cable at the connector.
If there is discoloration, cut into the insulation and look at the wire, if its all white and flakey (corrosion) then you'll need
to replace the cable.


DD

 

[MooseKnuckle]

Do what Ornery said...