1998 Pontiac Grand Am BATTERY IS BEING DRAINED

Tiny
SHERRY5366
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
My son has a 1998 Pontiac Grand Am and recently he has been having to press the gas when starting up his vehicle and then finally it wouldn't start at all. Well, he had a new battery put in it and it started fine the 1st time but the 2nd time it wouldn't start at all. Could this be the alternator?
Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 AT 12:41 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CALYPSO93
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
Usually when there is a problem with the alternator, a battery light will come on on the dash. If the car has an ammeter, or battery gauge, it will show low or in the red if there is a problem with charging. I would test voltage on the battery when the car is running, should be 14 volts +/-. It sounds like it could be a fuel problem, perhaps the pump is failing.
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 AT 9:29 PM
Tiny
SHERRY5366
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
You might be right, I went home yesterday to try and start it and everything is coming on in the car but it won't start. Let me ask you this, when I went to start the car there is just a long noise and it is not even trying to turn over. Could this be the starter or are you still leaning towards a fuel problem?
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Thursday, July 31st, 2008 AT 7:44 AM
Tiny
CALYPSO93
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
When you turn the key to the on position, you should here the fuel pump humming in the tank. Get someone to listen at the back of the car for it. Also, check to make sure that the battery, starter, and motor grounds are good, and not corroded.
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Thursday, July 31st, 2008 AT 7:24 PM

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