Single Mom's car troubles

FAITH_HOPE

MEMBER
2000 DODGE INTREPID
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
123,000 MILES

In 2 1/2 yrs had no repairs done. Now. Was driving making a turn car started to hesitate as if wanted to cut off (was like I was running out of gas). Tried to restart, sound like it was going to, but did not kick-over. Waited 45min, car started and I drove about 15 min. Than going up a hill it cut off while driving. Again tried to restart, but did not kick-over. Next morning tried to start, first wanted to start, than just made tick sound like the battery was dead. Now the battery will not take a jump? Could this be battery, alternator, spark plugs, fuse or what?

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011 AT 4:33 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

The first thing you need to do is full recharge the battery. Have it load tested at a parts store. Most will do it for free. If the battery tests good, reinstall it in the vehicle. If the vehicle starts, have the alternator checked to make sure it is recharging the battery.

Now, based on your description, it sounds like a bad fuel pump to me. I feel (but I'm not there) the battery going dead may be the result of trying to start it so many times. Often times a bad fuel pump will do exactly what you described. Check the fuel pump. Go to our home page under the DIY section for directions and a video. You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you. Check that and confirm that the pressure is within spec.

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Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 AT 4:26 PM