charging problem

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Jan 9, 2004 | 09:03 PM

phenyxTA

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Launching!

Joined: Nov 2001

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From: St. Louis

charging problem

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?

Jan 9, 2004 | 09:36 PM

LS1Baron

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From: Westminster, MD

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.

Jan 9, 2004 | 09:49 PM

phenyxTA

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Launching!

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From: St. Louis

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.

Jan 10, 2004 | 07:05 PM

firebirdude

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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.

Jan 10, 2004 | 08:28 PM

phenyxTA

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Launching!

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From: St. Louis

Cool, I didn't know that. Thanks.

Jan 11, 2004 | 10:14 AM

Cokeroker

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From: San Antonio, TX

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

Jan 12, 2004 | 06:57 PM

phenyxTA

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Launching!

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From: St. Louis

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.