Rodeo won't start - advice requested

[mbMike]

Hi,

I am pretty dumb when it comes to cars. I know some basic troubleshooting techniques but nothing more.

I have a 1994 Isuzu Rodeo Auto 3.2L V6. This morning it wouldn't start. It clicked once and then started to *gurgle* a bit. The voltage read less than 8v. I jumped it and let it run for 30 minutes or so. Shut it off and then tried to turn the engine. Nothing. It was dead again.

My problem is I can't remember what that means. Is the battery weak? Is the starter or alternator gone? I'm clueless.

Thanks for any help.

[bmwtxm0]

Sounds like a couple of things might be possible. Make sure your belts are tight - make sure you keep the vehicle turned OFF of course. If you have play in the belts (ie able to move the belt midway between components like the water pump and alternator) of more than 1.5 inches total you may not be charging well enough. There could be some sort of electrical drain on the system, again not allowing the system to charge properly. Both of these items can be checked by a mechanic - some places will give you a quick diagnostic for free. When these items are being checked you should get the charging system checked. You mentioned 8 volts - far too low. You should be seeing around 14 volts when the vehicle is running. You may also have a battery that has gone bad. You did not say where you are from, but folks in the North East have been getting nailed by bitter cold weather. Sometimes the first good cold snap will take a marginal battery over the edge.

Good Luck!

[mbMike]

Thanks for the response. One of your suggestions turned out to be exactly right. And thankfully the cheapest.

A co-worker suggested I take the battery to an auto store for a free test. It came back and said the battery needed to be replaced. I figured it hadn't been replaced in a while, so I forked over the 50 bucks, slapped it in the truck, and it started like a champ.

I am in Louisiana which isn't getting pounded, but it did drop down to about 25 degrees last night before the battery died.

Like I said, I'm pretty bad with diagnosis car problems, but thankfully there are other people in this world that do a pretty good job of it. Thanks!