My car starts then shuts off after like 30 seconds

mark01070 · #1 07-19-2005, 08:24 AM

Hi guys I am 16 and just boght a Camaro...nothing special just a 1994 3.4 liter V6 Automatic.....I have had it for 2 months.....This morning I woke up and my car would not start so I got my dads cables and jumped my car...as I was pulling out of the driveway 30 seconds later it just shut off......So I rolled it back and jumped it again and let it sit there idle for about 10 minutes and it shut off again....One thing I have noticed is my car alarm does not work properly...once I armed the car inside and like 2 minutes later I heard zzzzz.zz.zzzzzz.zzzzzzzzzzz noises coming from near my security alarm light...I'm not sure if the alarm is taking too much juice from the battery.....I have jumped it 3 times before that...I'm not sure what it is It can't be the battery right because it starts I thought it might be the alternator can your car shut off like that if your alternator is not working properly...any help from people who know waaayyyy more than me I would apprecite it

89camaroperson · #2 07-19-2005, 08:30 AM

could be a alternator problem. Sounds like an alternator problem...

89camaroperson · #3 07-19-2005, 08:31 AM

if you take out the alternator and then go to autozone or a parts store they can test it for free.
they can also test your battery.

mark01070 · #4 07-19-2005, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89camaroperson

if you take out the alternator and then go to autozone or a parts store they can test it for free.
they can also test your battery.

Thanx for the info guys I'm pretty sure it's the alternator it will probably cost me like 80 bucks...how could you test the alternator and battery by yourself or do you need special equipment my friends father is an electrician and has voltmeter and a other types of equipment can I use those

Rally Sport · #5 07-19-2005, 11:47 AM

Well there is a way you could test it yourself with a voltometer or whatever but im not really sure how, taking it to Autozone is the best bet.

supervisor1886 · #6 07-19-2005, 01:29 PM

Dont buy new one-just rebuild it-threses a kit for that real cheap that includes brushes diodes and bearings (if the alternator isnt burnt though). Takes 20 min to rebuild. Do u have the voltmeter gage in your claster?
By the way it sounds more like your fuel pump problem or spark and the injection as well

Rally Sport · #7 07-19-2005, 02:12 PM

Ofcourse the fuel pump might be a problem along with spark but if that was the problem then his car wouldnt turn over, his car just cant stay alive and thats what an alternator does but to be sure, gotta test it out! that and cables too might be a problem.

mark01070 · #8 07-19-2005, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rally Sport 92

Ofcourse the fuel pump might be a problem along with spark but if that was the problem then his car wouldnt turn over, his car just cant stay alive and thats what an alternator does but to be sure, gotta test it out! that and cables too might be a problem.

Thanx again guys I pretty much think it is definitely the alternator...I just had a complete tune up when I bough tmy car 2 months ago.....I would rebuild it but I just found an alternator for like 35 bucks so I'm gonna get that....and a new battery...thanx for da help guys

Rally Sport · #9 07-19-2005, 11:14 PM

Test man! TEST! Seriously it saves money, so do it.

wrightz28 · #10 07-20-2005, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rally Sport 92

Test man! TEST! Seriously it saves money, so do it.

Couldn't agree with you more, BUT, you really can't test an alternator in car if it dosen't run.

If it did, you'd hook up your voltmeter (never rely on the stock gauge) and with load, headlights, heater fan, wipers, you should be alteast 13.5.

Anything directly at 13 or below I wouldn't trust.

92zcamaroperson · #11 07-20-2005, 12:28 PM

true...

Morley · #12 07-20-2005, 12:37 PM

If the battery has a full charge and the car shuts off shortly after starting...it isn't the alternator.

92zcamaroperson · #13 07-20-2005, 01:44 PM

Unless the battery isnt at full charge or is not holding a charge and the alternator dwindled and stopped charging the battery and him starting the engine and cranking it over a couple times.....that would drain the battery enough to where it wouldnt stay running.

92zcamaroperson · #14 07-20-2005, 01:49 PM

OR it isnt the battery or alternator and he has a fuel problem.....maybe......but he has to charge the battery each time he has to start it so that would say battery.

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