phenyxTA

I need some ideas. I can't figure out what wrong with my car. Every time I start it I have to jump it to get it started. It'll drive fine, and the voltage gauge reads normal. But as soon as I shut the car off, it's dead. The dome light won't even come on. I assumed it was the battery and replaced it but no luck. Any ideas?

LS1Baron

Check the parisitic draw on your battery. That will tell you if you have something pulling too much power. Otherwise, you have a bad alternator.

phenyxTA

Once the car is started it runs fine and stays charged. Wouldn't the alternator be what's keeping the battery alive when it's running? Also how do I check the drag on the battery? Thanks.

firebirdude

Sounds like a battery.... but if you've already tried that.... go to your local auto zone. They'll do charging system tests for free.

phenyxTA

Cool, I didn't know that. Thanks.

Cokeroker

iTrader: (9)

also double check your battery relay.

check battery cable itself to make sure it is attached to your starter etc all good and tight.... no loose ends

phenyxTA

I had doubts about my 'new' battery from autozone so I swapped the battery in from my wife's Camaro. Fired right up. Someone is getting a new ******* ripped today.

richieg

iTrader: (1)

Juat wanted to say thanks for posting the issue once you identified what it was. I'm glad it was just a battery and not something trickier. I trust autozone is replacing it for free.