Bong Bong Emergency Stations Emergency Stations

Imprezzed · #1 08-09-2003, 10:22 PM

Okay, here's the situation. Coming back from the movies (Bad Boys II...awesome!) Pull in for gas, put 48 Liters ( A LITER OF COLA....Super Troopers) And I go to start my baby...and the engine turns over and dies. I'm thinking awww crap. It's 1:48 in the morning, the gas station is empty. So this guy somes around and gives me a boost. It starts just fine.

SO - it's either

a) alternator
b) battery

I'm leaning towards A because the alternator was making funny noises. The only things I have that aren't stock on the car is a Strobe light system (which was off), A Pioneer deck, and a 250 Watt amp. The amp is now disconnected until I get this resolved. So far, after paying 10-5 for my SVX, I've had to:

a) $1000 worth of front brake, suspension and CV axle work
b) $100 for a new driver's side upper window
c) $75 for a K&N Filter (the old one was shot)

Grr...why is my dream car so expensive! *Sigh*

EDIT: Does the SVX have a history of bad alternators? What else could be the problem?

svx_commuter · #2 08-10-2003, 06:12 AM

How long have you had the SVX and how much has it cost you?

An Impreza 2.2L is a lot less $ to maintain.

mikecg · #3 08-10-2003, 07:24 AM

check the belts first. I thought I had a bad Atlinator once. Took the car it they tested it it was fine. They tightened the belts and I had no more trouble. Another why to eliminate the battery would be to start the car and then disconnect to battery. If the car runs with the battery disconnected the Altinator is butting out voltage, if the engine stalls, then it ain't. (Back yard machanic trick)

Andy · #4 08-10-2003, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mikecg
check the belts first. I thought I had a bad Atlinator once. Took the car it they tested it it was fine. They tightened the belts and I had no more trouble. Another why to eliminate the battery would be to start the car and then disconnect to battery. If the car runs with the battery disconnected the Altinator is butting out voltage, if the engine stalls, then it ain't. (Back yard machanic trick)

Don't do this unless you want to blown your ECU

mikecg · #5 08-10-2003, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Andy

Don't do this unless you want to blown your ECU

Didn't know that. Sorry. I guess there is a chance of a surge. Though I would hope the fuses would go first. Thanks for correcting me.

#6 08-10-2003, 08:35 AM

Yikes!
Don't EVER disconnect your battery while your car is running! That trick might have worked fine for your uncles 72 Plymouth, but it could fry the electronics on a newer car. Why take the chance? Buy a cheap voltmeter and do it the right way.

Dave

elninoalex · #7 08-10-2003, 09:51 AM

Clean the battery leads. Even if they look clean. I have had that problem many times, and it doesn't cost anything.

Stephen

#8 08-10-2003, 11:03 AM

Could also be a cell shorting in the battery. That can really make the car act screwy. <--technical term.

Randy ii