Electrical Problem, Car won't start or stay running.

WHERESWALDO

MEMBER
1986 DODGE ARIES
2.2L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
190,000 MILES

When I put the key into start, the starter clicks. However when I get a jumpstart, the car will stay running for a few minutes but the battery doesn't get a solid connection with the alternator cause the battery level goes from a 12 to an 8 on the dashboard, it kills the car if I hit my headlights and when I drive the stereo (a newer one) turns itself on and off repeatedly. Any ideas?

4 Replies

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

SNATCH MR. BATTERY OUT HAVE IT TESTED AT A POPULAR AUTO PARTS STORE

RECHARGE IT.....OR GET A NEW ONE (IF NEEDED)

INSTALL IN THE CAR---TAKE THE WHOLE CAR BACK TO THE AUTO PARTS STORE.....THIS TIME HAVE THE ENTIRE CHARGING SYSTEM TESTED (ALTERNATOR)

IT'S POSSIBLE THAT A .......CONNECTION,......FUSE OR A FUSIBLE LINK IS THE PROBLEM IF THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR PASS

HOW TO ATTACK CONNECTIONS PRIOR TO GOING TO THE AUTO PARTS STORE...........THIS COULD POSSIBLY BE THE WHOLE PROBLEM!.....SEE MY LINK, BELOW, AND THE PICS I MADE IN IT

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1996-chevrolet-tahoe-wont-start-sounds-dead-battery-jumpbox-get-same-reults

RETURN TO THIS THREAD WITH A BIG OLE GRIN!

THE MEDIC

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Tuesday, December 31st, 2013 AT 6:44 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

The first thing I would do is have the battery charged and Tested?Also sounds like your alternator isnt charging.

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Tuesday, December 31st, 2013 AT 6:46 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

I wouldnt drive it with a possible bad alternator we can test it with a multi meter if you have one?

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Tuesday, December 31st, 2013 AT 6:48 PM

WHERESWALDO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Well, forgot to mention the battery has been charged and the alternator has been pulled and tested at autozone, passed as well. Replaced the metal battery connectors due to rust and kerosion, replaced the entire ground cable as well. Replaced the distributer, and next job is the distributer rotor and cap plus spark plugs n wires. If that doesn't work, where should I go from there?

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Wednesday, January 1st, 2014 AT 11:33 AM