Shut off while driving will not start

ANGELS04

MEMBER
2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
2WD
AUTOMATIC
156,000 MILES

My car wouldn’t start, I got a jump and bought a new battery. Drove the car for two days and it was starting and driving fine, as I was driving down the street my car stalled and wouldn’t start up again even after getting a jump. I had to have it towed home. Any idea what the problem could be?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi,

When you try to start it now, does the battery seem dead? If that is the case, first make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. If they are, then I need you to disconnect the negative battery terminal and recharge the battery. Once that is done, it should start, and we will need to make sure the alternator is charging it.

Here is a link that explains how to charge a battery. Note that most parts stores will do it for free.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

Once it is charged, start the vehicle and follow this link. All you will need is a multi meter or a volt meter. If you are uncomfortable doing this, we need to get it to a parts store to have the alternator tested. Honestly, this is a simple test.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Please let me know if this helps. Also, if I am wrong with how the vehicle is acting now (as if the battery is dead), let me know that as well.

I will watch for your response. Let me know if I can help.

Joe