1998 Saturn SL2 Car died while driving

Tiny
BWEERA
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 SATURN SL2
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
First problem was, I couldn't start the car. There was no noise when I turned the key. Horn, lights, windows
worked normal. Battery is only three months old. Managed to start the car by tapping on the starter motor twice but didn't last too long. Third time tapping didn't work. Replaced the starter motor and drove the car for two days and suddenly same thing happened. Couldn't start the car in the morning. This time there is clicking noise when I turn on the ignition. I jump started the car and was able to drive only a block. Gas gauge needle and tachometer needle completely stopped working before the car died. There was clicking noise when you turn on the ignition two or three times and now completely dead. No noise at all. Electric windows and remote control door lock doesn't work. There is half a tank of gas. Checked the fuses under the hood and they were ok. Can you please help me to solve this problem and I promise to donate after your advice and if I can get this car running.
Saturday, September 12th, 2015 AT 8:39 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Do you have a multi-meter to do some testing?Sounds like you could have a bad alternator. Have you checked to make sure the battery cables are clean and tight? I have seen loose or corroded ones cause the symptoms you are having. Have you had the battery tested as well?
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Saturday, September 12th, 2015 AT 9:35 AM
Tiny
BWEERA
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  • 3 POSTS
Thanks. Actually I was thinking about testing the Alternator. I have a Multimeter. Again Thanks for your quick response. I will post the results as soon as I get it checked.
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Saturday, September 12th, 2015 AT 11:59 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Your welcome keep me posted on what you find.
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Saturday, September 12th, 2015 AT 7:07 PM
Tiny
BWEERA
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
First I checked the battery and the Voltage was 11.5V. Jump started and left the car running with the jumper cables connected for two minutes or so and disconnected the cables. Checked the Voltage while the car was running and the Voltage was 12.5V. I kept checking the Voltage continuously while the car was running and noticed the voltage was dropping fast point by point. When it dropped just below 12 Volts, engine stopped. After the engine stooped I heard a clicking noise in the fuse box which lasted about 20 seconds.
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Sunday, September 13th, 2015 AT 1:06 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Sounds like the alternator isn't charging with the key in the run position and the engine not running. Unplug the connector to the alternator and see if the connector has battery voltage? Also battery voltage at the 10mm nut where the wire attaches?
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Sunday, September 13th, 2015 AT 4:12 PM

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