First Brake/Battery Lights on - Now Won't Start
joemoody1975
04-27-2004, 02:26 PM
I hope you guys can help. Thanks.
Here is the background on my situation:
About 4 weeks ago, my brake and battery lights started to flicker (at the same time) when I reached high rpm's. Gradually as time passed, they would stay on longer and longer until about a week ago, when they were on any time my car was moving.
A few days ago, as I was driving down the highway, my radio shut off and then the speedometer went to zero (although I was going about 55mph). I then started to lose acceleration power so I pulled over. As soon as my car stopped, I seemed to get my power back (the radio came on again).
So I started to drive again because I wanted to make it off the highway (which I never did). As soon as I hit a high rpm again, the same symptoms appeared. However, when I pulled over this time my car died. It would start back up again.
After having it towed, I got a new battery and checked the alternator (the shop said that it tested fine, but I still have my suspicions).
My car worked fine for a few days with the new battery, although the battery/brake lights continued to come on.
However, my car died yesterday exactly the way it did a week ago.
Any ideas why?
Here is the background on my situation:
About 4 weeks ago, my brake and battery lights started to flicker (at the same time) when I reached high rpm's. Gradually as time passed, they would stay on longer and longer until about a week ago, when they were on any time my car was moving.
A few days ago, as I was driving down the highway, my radio shut off and then the speedometer went to zero (although I was going about 55mph). I then started to lose acceleration power so I pulled over. As soon as my car stopped, I seemed to get my power back (the radio came on again).
So I started to drive again because I wanted to make it off the highway (which I never did). As soon as I hit a high rpm again, the same symptoms appeared. However, when I pulled over this time my car died. It would start back up again.
After having it towed, I got a new battery and checked the alternator (the shop said that it tested fine, but I still have my suspicions).
My car worked fine for a few days with the new battery, although the battery/brake lights continued to come on.
However, my car died yesterday exactly the way it did a week ago.
Any ideas why?
sr20de4evr
04-27-2004, 07:00 PM
That really sounds like a shot alternator
joemoody1975
04-29-2004, 07:54 AM
Actually, I removed the alternator and got it tested at AutoZone. It tested fine. It is producing electricity, but it is not making it to the battery.
Oceanoasis
04-29-2004, 11:25 AM
OK, well now you have to work from the alternator back to the battery. Check the voltage regulator, and the wiring bundle. I would still say though that sr20de4evr is most likely right and it's your alternator. Check it again, or get a rebuilt one on and see what happens. That would account for the battery light. Let me know what you find.
shortysdrop
04-29-2004, 01:47 PM
Check all your main power wires there may be a bad connection somewhere. Check and make sure your alternator wires are still coated and not exposed.
In my experience any time acceleration effects the electrical system it always leads back to the alternator.
In my experience any time acceleration effects the electrical system it always leads back to the alternator.
sr20de4evr
04-29-2004, 03:24 PM
Check the fuse that's on the wire between the alternator and the battery, if it's blown it will behave exactly like your alternator is fried.
ShowNuff
05-03-2004, 11:10 PM
Funny i had the exact same thing happen to me about two years ago, i was on the freeway and my brake and battery light kept flickering, and then when i made it off the ramp the car seem to be running really rough like it wanted to stall out. When ever I'd touch the brake the speedo would drop to zero. Finally the whole thing cut off, steering wheel locked up and i luckily slung it into a parking spot and left it there. Got it home later and replaced the alt, I think mine was producing some juice but only at higher rpm because as soon as I got to normal in city driving thats when it started giving me problems. Replaced it and problem was solved.
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