HELP, car won't start, possibly altenator- and other questions...

Genesisfactor · #1 04-11-2005, 10:30 AM

Okay, since i've been driving htis thing, i've had this light on on my dash. it looks like a car with its rear lights on. I don't have any idea what it means, but i think it may be an indicator of my problem...

This will be the second time my car won't start. The battery and check engine lights came on and then i notices that the battery charge indicator was at the edge of the blue. This happened before and i knew when i turned my car off. I assumed it was the altenator the first time, but the mechanic thought it was the starter and replaced it instead. The car worked fine, but its literally 1 week after he replaced the starter with a brand new one. So, my question is- 1) what's the problem. is it really the altenator. 2) what's the light mean. 3) what shoudl i do. 4) do you recommend replacing hte altenator DIY or mechanic. Thanks alot for your help. I'm stuck at school. Thank God my dad got a towing package...only problem is HE has to be here...

Genesisfactor · #2 04-11-2005, 02:21 PM

Oh, its not the battery since its brand new. so is the starter. I bought some belt stuff so we'll see if it helps at all. Any hlp? Anyone?

Infinitrium · #3 04-11-2005, 05:39 PM

That light is supposed to indicate a dead bulb, so I don't think it would lead you to the source of your problem. My 88 GT's volt gauge is right about the same place as yours, a check with an electrical tester indicated about 14 volts, which is right where the charging system should be. Did the battery and check engine light come on before you shut the car off, or after? Sounds to me like it's your alternator. From the looks of things on my Celica, it appears easy enough to change. If you or your dad is mechanically inclined then I wouldn't bother with getting a mechanic to do it, that would just be extra expense for you. You could try the belt dressing, but unless you heard a squealing sound from under the hood which would indicate a slipping belt, then it wouldn't do any good and from what I've been told, belt dressing can shorten the life of your belts.

Genesisfactor · #4 04-11-2005, 06:44 PM

Haha..yeah...i figued that when i got it started and the altenator started smoking and vibrating...i promptly shut it off. I am getting it towed...then..i dunno. ***thinks about his tools***

Genesisfactor · #5 04-11-2005, 07:02 PM

wait, don't HAVE any lights out...i checked them all out last night when i readjusted my headlights. I can finally see the road! Sucks though, i was having so much fun fine-tuning my reflexes... interesting that that warning comes on though...

Infinitrium · #6 04-11-2005, 07:14 PM

That light on my dash comes on at random times, and I can't find any dead bulbs, I'll learn to ignore it.

Genesisfactor · #7 04-11-2005, 08:50 PM

lol, i consider it part of the christmas tree of lights i usually have on at any given time, you know, like the red LCD of the CD player telling me its on, the green of the AC and guages saying i'm comfortable and moving, and the orange of my warning lights telling me i'm screwed somehow.

Oh, in other news, i jumped my car and it started and drove the 21 miles home. I got gas, i am now charging my portable jumper, and calculating my newly incurred expense of a new altenator. I mean, all in all, God is good, and i'll get it fixed when i get my gasket fixed. Thank you all for your help and advice. Oh, what altenator should i get? ;-)

Infinitrium · #8 04-11-2005, 09:15 PM

Any junkyards around your area? Shouldn't be a problem to find a good used alternator for a lot less than you'd pay for one new. If you have to, take the old one with you when you go to the junkyard, might make it easier to find one that'll work for your car.

Infinitrium · #9 04-11-2005, 09:30 PM

Or if you want, check out www.car-part.com

Genesisfactor · #10 04-11-2005, 11:13 PM

thanks, but aen't altenators like $24?

Oh, and i've had my fill of junk yards. After 2 days of searching for a compatible celica, I asked for the RH marker plastic. he said 40. I asked him for the celica name plate and fender. he said 60 and 100, I asked him if he was kidding. He said no. I asked for the door lock covers and the knobs to go with them. They wanted $25. I asked if he was crazy. He said see if you find s better price somewhere else. So I respectably replied: fine, i will. I'm getting the fender and whole grill for $55 shipped, i got the front marker and rear tailight for 99 cents with $14 shipping and anothe $1 for both headlight actuators. I'm getting the consol lid and the door lock covers and the seatbelts for $20 shipped. And those knobs? I got both switches for $1 with both trunk struts, shipped total, $21. FOr a grand total of $112 and my car has SPARE parts:-P for just incase. How much money did i save? Mama raised me better than that, to spend $100 omn a fender and $40 on yellow piece of plastic. I'm tempted to sell the tail light for $40-$50 like everyone else is. Even considering trading for the left side one since it has a chip in it. I mean geez, i'm a college kid. I don't have the money to pay such prices and my God is an awesome God. People are nice, junk yard dealers are punks at times (some are really nice).

I'll pick up a new alt soon. I need a few dollars though.

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