Car shuts off after jump start?

Tiny
RESIDENTSF
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,895 MILES
I have been having car issues for almost a year and half. I don’t drive often therefore the battery died frequently and I had to call AAA for jump start and they also replaced the battery; worked fine for couple of months
The same issue reappeared, and it was recommended that the alternator need to be replaced. It worked for few weeks, and I was back to the same battery issue. I bought a Costco battery that worked fine for a week and same issue appeared. Now the car can jump start run for about 5-10 mins and then its lights on the front panel goes off and then it’s completely dead. Same cycle dead jumpstart runs for 5 minutes then completely dead.
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 AT 3:05 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 862 POSTS
Hello, it does sound like an issue with the alternator. Do you have a multimeter by chance? If not, they are relatively expensive at a store like Harbor Freight or Northern Tool. While the car is running and the multimeter connected to the battery, the voltage should read something like 13.5 - 14.8 volts. If you had the alternator replaced and it was remanufactured, it is likely they did not replace a part, or rather a part was declared "good" at the time of rebuilding. I think this year in particular I've replaced more warranty alternators, starters, and batteries compared to any other year. For this reason, we should not assume anything just yet.

William
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Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
RESIDENTSF
  • MEMBER
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Thank you for writing back. Yes, I do have a multimeter, and I did check the battery voltage couple of days back, but I wasn’t getting a consistent reading. I’m new to multimeter and will recheck again in the morning. I’m not sure what I can do about the alternator as I have already paid $450 to repair shop when my car broke down and I got it towed to the nearby repair shop.
Thanks again
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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 AT 1:20 AM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 862 POSTS
Hi,

In some cases, you may be able to take a repair order to the previous shop for proof that the job did not hold. They could then refund you. I hope it doesn't turn into a hassle for you. Please let us know how it turns out.

William
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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 AT 4:55 AM
Tiny
RESIDENTSF
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you.
I did some readings with the multimeter:
Before I jumpstart the car, the multimeter read battery 8.1v and then I jumpstart the car took off the jumper cables. The multimeter read of battery 13.1 while the car engine still running I I turn on the headlights radio fan the voltage dropped 10.8. The car still idling for about 5 mins then dashboard lights died off and the engine stopped the multimeter battery reading 6.6 v
I found the receipt for alternator replacement from the shop and will contact them to see if they can do something about it. They gave me the old defective alternator (still have it in garage) when they replaced it the current one. How can you tell if the new alternator possibly defective is remanufactured one? I appreciate your expertise and taking time to answer my questions, many thanks.
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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 AT 6:18 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 862 POSTS
Theres not much to do to tell if it was remanufactured outside of searching the part number on the sticker. There are separate numbers for reman vs new. If the battery is 13.1 while running that started to sound normal, but adding load like the lights, AC, etc, can bring out the problem with the alternator. I hope you can get this resolved.

Thanks,
William
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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
RESIDENTSF
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I took the car back to the repair shop and he is telling me that the alternator is not working and needs to be replaced and paid $350. I told him what happened to the one that you guys put it. He is denying that he replaced it and saying I bought it and put it yourself I can’t believe it I still have my old original one that he gave me and the receipt. What can I do?
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Monday, July 28th, 2025 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 862 POSTS
At this point the only advice I can give you is if there is a sales receipt for the work done, that is your proof, however if I were you I would take the car to a reputable shop that honors their work with a warranty.

William
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Monday, July 28th, 2025 AT 7:02 PM

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