Battery, Alternator or starter?

[kchast]

I have a '97 Dodge Intrepid with original battery and alternator (102K miles). If I ride for 1/2 hour or more, although all the lights, radio, etc work, the car will not turnover. But if I let it sit for a few hours, it will crank. Is it my battery, alternator or maybe starter?

[aeromek]

Sounds like a poor battery connection. Your starter draws way more power when it is heat soaked. Check all your cable connections, especially the ground from the battery to the frame. It is almost always forgotten about.
It is the least expensive option to try.

[kchast]

Thanks for the advice. I tried that once before, but it didn't fix the problem. I measured the voltage and it reads 12.6 volts normal and 9 - 9.5 volts when cranking. So according to that other posting, I need to change the battery. I'll do this tomorrow and see.

[1996tealblue]

If its the origional mopar battery it needs changed any how. I used a Walmart Everstart 1000 amp in my 96 and it fires instantly. This is my third battery! You'r lucky . Pat

[djnitehawk]

I had a similar problem to this after I replaced the alternator, battery and starter in a '94. Turns out that the starter was bad. If a new battery fixes your problem, great, but if not you may want to chack the starter.

[Big Dan58]

Be careful with Walmart Batteries. I had a Walmart Everstart 1000 amp battery in a car that I just bought and it was only good for 2 years. Even with the receipt, I would have had to send it back to the mfr. for a limited warranty, plus I would have to pay for the shipping (on haz mat? No Thanks! big $$) You cant go wrong with a Sears Die Hard Gold! I have them in all 5 of my cars and have never, ever had a battery problem again! If you end up having a problem, Sears is all over the place, you just take it back to them. Your problem sounds like a battery problem. You might have a bad cell. If you have the original battery, you've done exceptionally well, and it's time to cough up some $$ for a replacement. My Mopar batteries went out after about 4 years. Remember, you get what you pay for.

[1996tealblue]

FYI Sears don't make batterys. They just buy them from several manufactures in the us and others . Same as Walmart,Napa , Sears , Auto zone , Tractorsupply , Advance Auto. Kmart....