Stalling car, blinking power light...???

SVXGIRL182 · #1 10-30-2003, 08:59 AM

Recently I had a problem with my car where the lights became dim. Tested the alternator and it was charging fine. Replaced the battery on saturday and all was good. That is until yesterday. Out of nowhere all the warning lights on the instrument panel came on and the stereo shut off. I pulled the car over and turned it off. I tried to restart it about 2 minutes later and the car would not start. It would struggle. Almost like the battery was dying. Finally 10 minutes later after waiting it started. I drove the car back home about 10 minutes away. The lights came back on. whenever I stopped the clock dimmed and the car almost stalled. when I arrived back at my place, I pulled in the parking spot and the car just died. I put it in park and took the key out. I put the key back in and tried to start it but it wasn't working. It just clicked. About 3 hours later I went to retry it and the car finally started after a little hesitation. however the power light came on. And blinked 17 times. Is this some sort of diagnostic code? I don't know if its the alternator, but it could be since its the original and my car has 115k miles on it.

Thanks for any light you can shine on this problem.

Aredubjay · #2 10-30-2003, 12:06 PM

It does give indications that it's the alternator. Even though it may have been within tolerances when you checked it.

The blinking power light does indicate a "code" is stored. To run the diagnostic, look in the "How To" locker for the procedure.

Best o' luck.

#3 11-01-2003, 07:35 AM

well sounds like battery is not charged

when it clicks while u try to start, it means ur batery voltage is too low. after 3 hours, battery collects some voltage for short time (not exactly sure with chemestry, so no further explanations as i mite get wrong there).
Blinking power light is good signal at least after u run diagnostics it ll tell u what is wrong. (yup check how to for ECU diagnosis, [blue wire, black connector notch up, top raw second from the left ...all that stuff])

im almost sure its alternator, if u got new battery

i had it ages ago with nissan bluebird.. but it turned out to be battery, alternator and starter, all were going bad in around same time...

ur alternator most likely gives lower voltage... also not tight steering belt will give bad charging as well, but u would get terrible noise from under the bonnet.

anyways good luck

Sergi