View Full Version : Car Problems
Rascal
07-16-2005, 10:43 PM
The wife's got a 2000 Ford Focus.
About a month ago she gets an oil change and they say that her battery tested bad. I take it by Autozone for their free test and sure enough they agree. Last Sunday coming back from church the car loses electrical power, but we manage to have enough to get home. So I go to O'Riley's and get a new batter and put it in. Then tonight on the way home from watching Wedding Crashers, which I highly recommend, the car again loses electrical power and we literally coast into the drive way (drove about the last mile without any lights and the car jerking).
I figure it's got to be the altenator, but I want to make sure before I replace the thing (if I think I can do it after looking at it tomorrow since it's a new car who knows what kind of connections it will have). Is there a way of testing the altenator or if anybody does it?
Bronco9798
07-16-2005, 10:54 PM
The wife's got a 2000 Ford Focus.
About a month ago she gets an oil change and they say that her battery tested bad. I take it by Autozone for their free test and sure enough they agree. Last Sunday coming back from church the car loses electrical power, but we manage to have enough to get home. So I go to O'Riley's and get a new batter and put it in. Then tonight on the way home from watching Wedding Crashers, which I highly recommend, the car again loses electrical power and we literally coast into the drive way (drove about the last mile without any lights and the car jerking).
I figure it's got to be the altenator, but I want to make sure before I replace the thing (if I think I can do it after looking at it tomorrow since it's a new car who knows what kind of connections it will have). Is there a way of testing the altenator or if anybody does it?
Stick your tongue on it and tell your wife to turn the key. You'll know right away.
Actually, you can take it and have the alternator tested before you replace it. Most places will test if for tree.
Dukes
07-16-2005, 11:07 PM
Sounds to me like its the Alternator. And i'm pretty sure you can get it tested. Checkers, Auto Zone or Napa should do it for free
Ck the alt gague and see if is is discharging with the car running and the lights on
Sounds to me like its the Alternator. And i'm pretty sure you can get it tested. Checkers, Auto Zone or Napa should do it for free
True they will ck it but you have to pull it first
Bronco9798
07-16-2005, 11:26 PM
I've never had to pull my alternator to get it checked. At least they don't here.
I've never had to pull my alternator to get it checked. At least they don't here.
I may be confusing it with a starter
GreatBronco16
07-17-2005, 12:31 AM
Two ways to check your alternator without having to remove it.
First, get a voltmeter and hook it up to your battery. Set it to check for 20 volts. Start your car up and look at the reading. It should be I think between 13.5 volts to 14 volts. Anything lower and I would replace it.
The easiest way to me is to start your car up, then simply disconnect your battery with the car running. Just take off the positive lead to your battery. Be very careful when doing this though. After you disconnect it, turn on your lights if your car is still running. If your car dies after you disconnect(or at anytime while disconnected) the battery, then your alternator is bad.
crazyhorse
07-17-2005, 05:28 AM
Two ways to check your alternator without having to remove it.
First, get a voltmeter and hook it up to your battery. Set it to check for 20 volts. Start your car up and look at the reading. It should be I think between 13.5 volts to 14 volts. Anything lower and I would replace it.
The easiest way to me is to start your car up, then simply disconnect your battery with the car running. Just take off the positive lead to your battery. Be very careful when doing this though. After you disconnect it, turn on your lights if your car is still running. If your car dies after you disconnect(or at anytime while disconnected) the battery, then your alternator is bad.
The 'ol remove the battery cable thing dont work anymore. If you take your battery cable off, the car will die reguardless if the alt. is good. The system uses the battery like an electrical filter of sorts. Like a voltage regulator, I believe. So that dont work.
My reccomendation would be to take the new battery back. They will test it. If the new battery is bad, then it is likely you are just having bad luck. If the battery is good, then that means that you may have done damage by running the car with the other defective battery. Because the car uses the battery as a filter, if the battery/filter was dead, then it may have caused other problems.
I wish I could recommend a fix. But quite frankly, in todays automotive world you have to throw out the old school stuff and hook the thing up to diagnostic equipment to find out whats wrong with it. Especially with electrical problems. Maybe the best thing at this point is to pull the battery and the alt. and just take them up and have them both tested. I can tell you that if you buy new electrical parts and it dont fix it, you cannot get a refund on installed electrical parts. Once you have installed it, you own it.
I know that removeing the cable to check the battery like we did in the old days will cause issues elsewhere. It would only compound your problem.
Good luck.
Tombstone RJ
07-17-2005, 05:43 AM
Just buy a new car, that's the easiest solution.:loopy:
ak1971
07-17-2005, 08:52 AM
The wife's got a 2000 Ford Focus
Theres your problem right there.
Florida_Bronco
07-17-2005, 09:11 AM
The 'ol remove the battery cable thing dont work anymore. If you take your battery cable off, the car will die reguardless if the alt. is good. The system uses the battery like an electrical filter of sorts. Like a voltage regulator, I believe. So that dont work.
My reccomendation would be to take the new battery back. They will test it. If the new battery is bad, then it is likely you are just having bad luck. If the battery is good, then that means that you may have done damage by running the car with the other defective battery. Because the car uses the battery as a filter, if the battery/filter was dead, then it may have caused other problems.
I wish I could recommend a fix. But quite frankly, in todays automotive world you have to throw out the old school stuff and hook the thing up to diagnostic equipment to find out whats wrong with it. Especially with electrical problems. Maybe the best thing at this point is to pull the battery and the alt. and just take them up and have them both tested. I can tell you that if you buy new electrical parts and it dont fix it, you cannot get a refund on installed electrical parts. Once you have installed it, you own it.
I know that removeing the cable to check the battery like we did in the old days will cause issues elsewhere. It would only compound your problem.
Good luck.
Good post, think you hit the nail right on the head.
Jason in LA
07-17-2005, 09:16 AM
The great Easy E once said, "I'll throw it in the gutter, and go by another."
Words to live by.
Jason in LA
07-17-2005, 10:03 AM
Since we are talking about car problems, I'll mention mine.
'96 Ford Mustang GT. I have a misfire on #5. The problem started out with a misfire on #7. This was after the spark plugs were changed. A neighbor of mine checked it out and said he thought it was the fuel injector on #7. He told me to change the injector on #7 and see if that would fix the problem. So I did that, but the misfire was still there, and now there was a misfire on #5. I changed the spark plug wires and the misfire on #7 was fixed, but the misfire on #5 was still there. I'm thinking I might not have put the injectors on correctly after I changed the one on #7. The injectors for #5-#8 are all on the same rail.
GreatBronco16
07-17-2005, 10:38 AM
The 'ol remove the battery cable thing dont work anymore. If you take your battery cable off, the car will die reguardless if the alt. is good. The system uses the battery like an electrical filter of sorts. Like a voltage regulator, I believe. So that dont work.
So I guess my car really isn't running when I disconnect the positive terminal right? I've never had a problem doing that, and that is on old or newer cars.
But regardless, lets just say it would hurt his car for him to do that, he can still check what the alt. is charging at by checking it with a voltmeter.
Rascal
07-17-2005, 10:56 AM
Thanks for the help guys. Not sure what I'm going to do, but I think I'm just going to take it a mechanic to fix it. I use to be able to work on cars all the time but the way things are made today I'm not sure I want to take the risk. I'm pretty sure it's the altenator though.
crazyhorse
07-17-2005, 11:09 AM
So I guess my car really isn't running when I disconnect the positive terminal right? I've never had a problem doing that, and that is on old or newer cars.
But regardless, lets just say it would hurt his car for him to do that, he can still check what the alt. is charging at by checking it with a voltmeter.
Sorry Mr Goodwrench. Didn't mean to challenge your infinate knowledge on cars. But I took the battery cable off of one of my vehicles and the car died. Asked my mechanic if he thought I should buy a alt. with what I had found. He then told me what I have told you. He checked my battery and said one of the cells were dead and to get a new battery.
It fixed the problem.
But I guess I haven't really pit 20,000 miles on that altenator since then. I will conceed that I could be wrong. It could be limited to certain makes of vehicles, however I doubt that since most cars use the same charging systems and batteries are all the same.
Finally, I was merely trying to help a guy with his car on information that had been shared with me. Sorry if I was overstepping my bounds there, boss.
What kinda car you got Butch?
Blueflame
07-17-2005, 11:13 AM
Thanks for the help guys. Not sure what I'm going to do, but I think I'm just going to take it a mechanic to fix it. I use to be able to work on cars all the time but the way things are made today I'm not sure I want to take the risk. I'm pretty sure it's the altenator though.
Sure sounds like the alternator to me. :)
Florida_Bronco
07-17-2005, 11:22 AM
Since we are talking about car problems, I'll mention mine.
'96 Ford Mustang GT. I have a misfire on #5. The problem started out with a misfire on #7. This was after the spark plugs were changed. A neighbor of mine checked it out and said he thought it was the fuel injector on #7. He told me to change the injector on #7 and see if that would fix the problem. So I did that, but the misfire was still there, and now there was a misfire on #5. I changed the spark plug wires and the misfire on #7 was fixed, but the misfire on #5 was still there. I'm thinking I might not have put the injectors on correctly after I changed the one on #7. The injectors for #5-#8 are all on the same rail.
I have a 1994 Mustang GT, it has a 5.0 and a different ignition system, but I'd think you may need to look at the coil packs. I have known them to go bad on quite a few of the 4.6 Mustangs.
Crazyhorse may be of some help too, I know he has a 05 GT and a 96-98 Cobra I believe. He pry knows his way around those better than I do.
So I guess my car really isn't running when I disconnect the positive terminal right? I've never had a problem doing that, and that is on old or newer cars.
But regardless, lets just say it would hurt his car for him to do that, he can still check what the alt. is charging at by checking it with a voltmeter.
Most cars have a voltmeter installed on the dash, not often is there only stand alone idiot lights
crazyhorse
07-17-2005, 11:28 AM
I have a 1994 Mustang GT, it has a 5.0 and a different ignition system, but I'd think you may need to look at the coil packs. I have known them to go bad on quite a few of the 4.6 Mustangs.
Crazyhorse may be of some help too, I know he has a 05 GT and a 96-98 Cobra I believe. He pry knows his way around those better than I do.
Did you replace the wires when you replaced the plugs? the coil pack could be the issue. However, it usually goes pretty quick when they go. In other words it wont be an intermitent miss. It will just quit all together on #5
A good way to check the plug wire is to swap it with another wire. For example, take #5 and swap it with #6. If #6 starts missing it's the wire. If not I am not sure what to tell ya, other than it could be a coil pack.
Sorry Mr Goodwrench. Didn't mean to challenge your infinate knowledge on cars. But I took the battery cable off of one of my vehicles and the car died. Asked my mechanic if he thought I should buy a alt. with what I had found. He then told me what I have told you. He checked my battery and said one of the cells were dead and to get a new battery.
It fixed the problem.
But I guess I haven't really pit 20,000 miles on that altenator since then. I will conceed that I could be wrong. It could be limited to certain makes of vehicles, however I doubt that since most cars use the same charging systems and batteries are all the same.
Finally, I was merely trying to help a guy with his car on information that had been shared with me. Sorry if I was overstepping my bounds there, boss.
What kinda car you got Butch?
But you are a Chiefs fan and the car in question is not a Camaro
GreatBronco16
07-17-2005, 11:46 AM
Sorry Mr Goodwrench. Didn't mean to challenge your infinate knowledge on cars. But I took the battery cable off of one of my vehicles and the car died. Asked my mechanic if he thought I should buy a alt. with what I had found. He then told me what I have told you. He checked my battery and said one of the cells were dead and to get a new battery.
It fixed the problem.
But I guess I haven't really pit 20,000 miles on that altenator since then. I will conceed that I could be wrong. It could be limited to certain makes of vehicles, however I doubt that since most cars use the same charging systems and batteries are all the same.
Finally, I was merely trying to help a guy with his car on information that had been shared with me. Sorry if I was overstepping my bounds there, boss.
What kinda car you got Butch?
Actually I'm a tank mechanic, but regardless, I wasn't saying that you were wrong, some vehicles may be like that. I haven't tried it on every single vehicle made. But the ones that I have tried it on are from very cut and dry setups to ones electronic ignition and what have you. As for me, I have a 78 BMW 323i(European model), 2003 Nissan Altima, 82 Mercedes 300D and a 2004 Toyato Sienna. This trick has worked on all of them. Now this isn't saying that it works on every vehicle.
crazyhorse
07-17-2005, 11:51 AM
Actually I'm a tank mechanic, but regardless, I wasn't saying that you were wrong, some vehicles may be like that. I haven't tried it on every single vehicle made. But the ones that I have tried it on are from very cut and dry setups to ones electronic ignition and what have you. As for me, I have a 78 BMW 323i(European model), 2003 Nissan Altima, 82 Mercedes 300D and a 2004 Toyato Sienna. This trick has worked on all of them. Now this isn't saying that it works on every vehicle.
You must have a signifcant problem with altenators where you are from.
Might I recommend that you buy American?
Needa Pass Rush
07-17-2005, 12:32 PM
With the computerization of cars it could likely be something other then the alternator. I would take it Ford dealer (or someone authorized to diagnose a ford) and have them hook it up to their diagnostic computer. It will likely cost you the least in the long run.
Bronx33
07-17-2005, 12:39 PM
Yep i will agree with it being the Alternator even more so since you replaced the battery,the symtoms you desribe while driving home indicates your running on the battery until it dies.If the alternator gauge wasn't telling you this while this was going on i would have it looked at as well.
GreatBronco16
07-17-2005, 03:26 PM
With the computerization of cars it could likely be something other then the alternator. I would take it Ford dealer (or someone authorized to diagnose a ford) and have them hook it up to their diagnostic computer. It will likely cost you the least in the long run.
Honestly, that is probably the best thing to do.
GreatBronco16
07-17-2005, 03:29 PM
You must have a signifcant problem with altenators where you are from.
Might I recommend that you buy American?
No, I don't have a problem with alternators here in Bama. The old BMW is the only one that I have problems with. Since it is not a car that was sold in the US at all, parts are hard to come by when I need them. So I just have the alternator rebuilt when I need it. Now just because I have tested the alternator on all of these vehicles by disconnecting the battery doesn't mean I have problems with them. AAMOF, I just spent the past 15 minutes going back to test them again to see if the trick still works, and low and behold it does.
Jason in LA
07-17-2005, 06:02 PM
Did you replace the wires when you replaced the plugs? the coil pack could be the issue. However, it usually goes pretty quick when they go. In other words it wont be an intermitent miss. It will just quit all together on #5
A good way to check the plug wire is to swap it with another wire. For example, take #5 and swap it with #6. If #6 starts missing it's the wire. If not I am not sure what to tell ya, other than it could be a coil pack.
I replaced the plugs first. Found the misfire on #7. I then changed the fuel injector on #7. Then it had the misfire on #5 and #7. Then I changed the wires and now there is just a misfire on #5. The misfire on #5 didn't show up until I messed with the fuel injectors. I had the coil pack tested at Autozone. The guy said they were fine. I think I might not have re-assembled the fuel injector rails correctly. Maybe the injector on #5 isn't hitting right.
Florida_Bronco
07-17-2005, 06:04 PM
I replaced the plugs first. Found the misfire on #7. I then changed the fuel injector on #7. Then it had the misfire on #5 and #7. Then I changed the wires and now there is just a misfire on #5. The misfire on #5 didn't show up until I messed with the fuel injectors. I had the coil pack tested at Autozone. The guy said they were fine. I think I might not have re-assembled the fuel injector rails correctly. Maybe the injector on #5 isn't hitting right.
Well when you install the fuel injectore it should "snap" into place, and you'll hear it. Although I doubt this is the problem, because if it hadn't snapped into place, you'd have a fuel leak.
GreatBronco16
07-17-2005, 06:22 PM
I replaced the plugs first. Found the misfire on #7. I then changed the fuel injector on #7. Then it had the misfire on #5 and #7. Then I changed the wires and now there is just a misfire on #5. The misfire on #5 didn't show up until I messed with the fuel injectors. I had the coil pack tested at Autozone. The guy said they were fine. I think I might not have re-assembled the fuel injector rails correctly. Maybe the injector on #5 isn't hitting right.
Is it timed correctly?
crazyhorse
07-17-2005, 06:51 PM
I replaced the plugs first. Found the misfire on #7. I then changed the fuel injector on #7. Then it had the misfire on #5 and #7. Then I changed the wires and now there is just a misfire on #5. The misfire on #5 didn't show up until I messed with the fuel injectors. I had the coil pack tested at Autozone. The guy said they were fine. I think I might not have re-assembled the fuel injector rails correctly. Maybe the injector on #5 isn't hitting right.
If there was no prob on 5 until you messed with it, then it is likely the problem. Could you have gotten dirt in the rail somehow? Maybe the injector on 5 is clogged. If you feel comfortable taking the rails back off, tear it back down and see if you can find the problem. Clean what you can.
If your getting spark to the cylinder, on time, then it has to be fuel.
Spider
07-17-2005, 06:52 PM
Take the Radiator cap off , go down to a car dealer , find a car that will fit your radiator Cap ......... Problem solved
Bronx33
07-17-2005, 06:55 PM
Take the Radiator cap off , go down to a car dealer , find a car that will fit your radiator Cap ......... Problem solved
LMAO! that also works for small item such as lighters stereo knobs ect.....
Spider
07-17-2005, 06:57 PM
LMAO! that also works for small item such as lighters stereo knobs ect.....
ROFL! sure does
Jason in LA
07-17-2005, 07:52 PM
What do you clean fuel injectors with? One guy told me to use the stuff they used to clean the battery cables/posts with. I'll give it a try. Seems pretty simple to do.
If it doesn't work, I guess I'll throw it in the gutter, and go buy another.
Florida_Bronco
07-18-2005, 12:45 PM
What do you clean fuel injectors with? One guy told me to use the stuff they used to clean the battery cables/posts with. I'll give it a try. Seems pretty simple to do.
If it doesn't work, I guess I'll throw it in the gutter, and go buy another.
My car would sometimes die when idling, and some STP fuel injector cleaner in a 1/2 tank of gas solved that problem. It's only a couple bucks, so try the simple things first would be my advice.