Battery draining after starter, alternator and new battery were installed

Tiny
JORDAN PIPER
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 KIA SPORTAGE
  • 200,000 MILES
My starter went out and my brother in-law replaced it and when my fiance started it the radio no longer worked. Then the car shut off on her in town the lights flickered when it stalled. Then we replaced the alternator three times the last was done by a mechanic in the shop. The new battery won't charge the alternator has been tested and works. Also after the starter was replaced it wouldn't go in gear so he cut the overdrive and was revving the engine and it was smoking a little and he rigged it to go in gear without holding the brake.
Thursday, April 11th, 2019 AT 12:11 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

Did someone load test the battery to be sure it is not defective? It sounds like low voltage.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Also, I attached a guide to help you check to see if the battery is being drained by something in the system with the key off.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Roy
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Thursday, April 11th, 2019 AT 2:03 AM
Tiny
JORDAN PIPER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes, I did a battery test now that was not it. What else could it be?
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 7:39 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
The draining procedure needs to be done.

Roy
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
JORDAN PIPER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It seems like it maybe a shorted out wire or something. I have put in multiple batteries and the alternator has been replaced three times. But one person who was helping my fiance had the battery turned around backwards and tried starting it with the terminals against the hood.
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
That's bad news. He may have damaged modules with that move.

The draw test still needs to be done.

Roy
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
JORDAN PIPER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Draw test?
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Yes, the test I attached in the first response.

Roy
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 7:56 PM
Tiny
JORDAN PIPER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Okay, I've done a test. The gear shift light that lights the parking drive neutral etc, stay on. My brother in law couldn't get it in to gear so he fixed it where you don't have to hit the brake to put into gear he cut the overdrive wire. Now it stay lit up on the p while parked at all times. Could be it?
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Yes, it is possible. The test still needs to be done.

Roy
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
JORDAN PIPER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
That light is normally out right? And the overdrive wire has be cut out and is sticking out of the gear shift.
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
That should be put back together. Then the failure needs to be diagnosed and repaired correctly without cutting any wires.

Roy
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 8:31 PM
Tiny
JORDAN PIPER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Okay.
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Keep us updated.

Roy
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 10:14 PM

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