Single Mom needs Help!!

[jesurban]

I have a 1992 cavalier. I know something about cars but not much so I will do my best. First the starter went out so I got that replaced. Then my battery was dead so I had that tested and they said I needed a new one. Did that. After I did that though my battery light was on in my car, never was before. NOW, the battery is dead, I can pop it and it will start and run for about a minute and then it just dies. It won't keep running. I am not usre what to do next. I replaced the alternator about a year ago...with a used one. I don't know what to do and really need some sort of help. Thank you.

[OverAllComa]

Battery light is usually battery or more likely the alternator. A lot of big-name parts shops should be able to test the current coming off the alternator. Get it done. Oh yes, and if you need a new one and plan on doing it yourself, you can save a few bucks by getting a remanufactured one. Same warranty, cheaper part.

[jesurban]

Thank you I will look into getting my alternator tested.

[OverAllComa]

Remember, you need to be cranking around 14.4V from the alternator. Below 14V and you're gonna be in trouble.

[dcfoster83]

I would agree with OverAllComa, its probably your alternator... your battery would be the problem... when the car is running you don't actually need the battery to keep it running if your alternator is putting out strong enough you... a cheaters way of testing that would be to pull your negative battery cable off and see if the engine stops right away...from my experience that usually means the alternator is dead or the wire to the alternator isn't tight.

[jakegday]

just curious, did you think you'd get more help by saying your single??

[OverAllComa]

Originally Posted by jakegday

just curious, did you think you'd get more help by saying your single??

"Single" doesn't imply "and looking." I think the implication to the statement was that, as in most situations where there's a single mom, money is tight and time is scarce to even try to fix things yourself. There's also this stereotype that women don't know things about cars, and although false, it was probably being appealed to here.

Perhaps more than anything this person wanted their car fixed and needed a subject line for it. Ya know, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

[jesurban]

Thanks OverAllcoma for that response. You hit that one on the head. I guess i could have just said Mom needs help but then I might have been impling that the other half is an idiot. Anyhow I apperciate all of the advice and will let you know the out come. thanks again......Mom

[Helmuth48]

Just a note....Where I live in SC....the Advance Auto or AutoZone will test the battery/ alternator for FREE......

If you need a Battery...they will install it for Free also....

Good Luck....

[car crazy]

it's the alt. had one.But i check battery.then starter then alt. last that's wat it was replace it with a new 1 not second hand

[z24-xavier]

even though i have to agree with the last post about new better than used, but there IS an inbetween. there are 2 choices, either find a gm wholesaler (kinda hard to find an HONEST one these days though, not my perferred choice) OR find an auto-electric shop. this is a shop that is dedicated to nothing but fixing and rebuilding automotive electrical stuff, especially alternators. going this route will not only make it cheaper *if you dont have them install it that is* but it will be completely rebuilt with quality parts as opposed to no-name brand reman. alternators which can bite the dust very easily especially it seems when the time is worst to happen. get it done by professionals with quality parts for cheaper, and it's still your stock alt.

"this has been a public service announcement from.. your mamma's bedroom"

[pitbull781]

I have worked on cars most of my life so to me this isnt anything new if your battery goes dead its usually the fault of the alternator and replacing it with a used one is usually not a good idea. I understand that its cheaper but it ends up being more expensive in the long run. Get your new alternator and your problem will be solved.