Engine help pleas!

[ed1564]

OK I really need some help here. Every time I start my car, the battery is ALMOST dead. It takes like 5 tries to get it started. It makes the clicking noise that you usually get with a dead battery. Eventually it will start, rev up to about 2000rpm, and then go back to its regualr idle. So I will drive around, leave the car running for like 30 minutes. Then an hour later try to start it and it does the same thing. I do not think it is my alternator, because the battery would be completley dead by now. I think it is my battery, but I am not sure.

Any ideas??

 

[minendo]

Pull the battery out and bring to a car parts store like Advanced. They should be able to test it out and see what kind of charge it holds.

 

[Vortex22]

Sounds like you need a new battery.

 

[Instagib]

Originally posted by: Vortex22
Sounds like you need a new battery.

 

[Carl Uman]

I don't know how to spell it but check the connection between your battery and starter and there should be cylinder shaped object about 1.5 - 2.5" in diameter. That part sounds like your problem.

I can't even get spell check to give me a match on the word but "cilenoid" is what it sounds like. Never seen the word spelled before, only used it verbally so I'm at a loss.


Found it... solenoid Now maybe I can say it right too

 

[flot]

Agree with the other guys. Probably your battery, take it somewhere and have them check it out. Could also be the solenoid (but doesn't seem likely), or could just be a bad connection between the battery and starter. Make sure your cables are making good contact with the battery terimals. If there is any gunk on there, scrape it off, wiggle the terminals around to make better contact, and tighten them.

 

[BCYL]

It can be:

1) your battery, it's not holding a charge
2) your alternator, it's not charging the battery...

Check out the battery first, it's cheaper and easier to replace... If it still happens after you get a new battery, check the alternator...

 

[olds]

Yep, battery terminals are probably loose and or corroded. If this is true and has been happening for a while the battery may have lost it's ability to hold a full charge.

 

[ed1564]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
Yep, battery terminals are probably loose and or corroded. If this is true and has been happening for a while the battery may have lost it's ability to hold a full charge.

Good guess, they were corroded, so I got them cleaned, and had the same problem. I just got back from autozone, and it was the battery.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

I bet one or both of your bettery cables has started to corrode out. Replace them when you replace your battery.

EDIT: note that a bad cable can screw up your battery and eventually your alternator.

 

[bmacd]

you have a car alarm? Not likely in your case, but my viper car alarm got so nutty that i was unable to start my car until i physically pulled the alarm out.

just a thought

-=bmacd=-

 

[Dhawk]

Be care about taking anyones advice on this forum that just arbitrarily tells you to change this part or that. I.E. : cables, cable ends, starter, altenator, battery, etc. You could just end up throwing money at the wrong problem.

If you are mechanically inclined, I would: (cheap shade tree mechanic method)

First look for the obvious. Look for corroeded(sp?) cables/cable ends. If so clean with a wire brush, reinstall and coat with an anti-corrosive paint to prevent further corrotion. (Another shade tree-method is to coat the terminals with a baking soda paste to chemically counter-act the corrosion.)

Start the car and then while it is running, pull off the positive battery terminal. If it continues to run, chances are you are getting some kind of a charge from your altenator. It is Probably a bad battery. Take the battery to a parts store to have it tested.

If it dies, remove the altenator and take it to a parts store to confirm it is bad and replace it.


Disclaimer: If none of the above helps resolve your probem or cost you unduly time and aggrevation and unforseen cost, I am no way obligated to care, give a shlte, or be held responsible for any consiquential or incidential damages for you following this .02 cents worth of advise.


Yeah I know the spelling is bad.

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: ed1564

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
Yep, battery terminals are probably loose and or corroded. If this is true and has been happening for a while the battery may have lost it's ability to hold a full charge.

Good guess, they were corroded, so I got them cleaned, and had the same problem. I just got back from autozone, and it was the battery.

Well, it was an educated quess.