Starting issues with dimming headlights

KERI JO CLENDENIN JOHNSON

MEMBER
2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
2.7L
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

My car is having issues. It's very cold here. When I start my car I turn the key and all I hear is a click then when I turn the key again it starts just fine. Sometimes it takes a few tries and sometimes it starts the first try When I turn it the 1st time and it does nothing but click I still have power to the radio, heater, dash and headlights. Also, while I'm driving when I idle down the headlights dim for a second and the heater blower power decreases for a second also. We bought a new battery hoping that was the issue. It was not. Also the new battery is reading great but when I rev up the engine the battery voltage goes way down. Also the check engine light is on reading a bad o2 sensor.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

EXPERT

Hi,

Based on your description, it sounds like the alternator is bad. You said the voltage drops when you rev the engine. It should do the opposite.

Also, the idea that you get a click and then it starts normally leads me to believe there is either a loose connection or the starter is going bad.

Lets start simple. I need you to check a couple things. First, make sure the battery terminals on the new battery are clean and tight. Here is a link to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Next, I need you to check the alternator output. Here is a link that explains how to do it.

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

Let me know what you find. Also, at a low idle, it isn't uncommon for the lights to dim and blower to slow a bit.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe