Thread: Does this sound like an alternator problem?

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  1. #1 Does this sound like an alternator problem? 
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    Ok, so today I parked my car, and about two minutes later I went to start it up. It would sound like it was trying to turn over for about 2 seconds, then nothing. No cranking or clicking. Tried jumping it, it got a little closer but still wouldn't turn over. Checked the battery and it was fully charged.

    Called roadside assistance and they tried to jump it, then told me it was probably the battery, and that even though it's fully charged it could still be faulty. I bought a new battery and put it in, and now it cranks repeatedly but still doesn't turn over. The difference is that now when it cranks the lights get darker and brighter, and the lights flicker. Does that sound like an alternator problem? If so, why would replacing the battery make a difference? Before I changed the battery it didn't crank at all after the first couple seconds, and now it cranks repeatedly but still doesn't turn over?

    Or by some chance did my battery AND alternator fail simultaneously? What do you guys think?
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  2. #2 Re: Does this sound like an alternator problem? 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    You don't need an alternator to fire up. Commonly we use cranks and turn over to mean the same thing. Gathering that you are using turns over to mean that the motor starts and runs, aka fires up.

    Do you hear the fuel pump priming when you turn the key to on w/o starting it?
    Do you have injector power?
    Do you have injector pulse?
    Do you have spark?

    Really it comes down to three things. Fuel, spark and compression. We assume compression hasn't changed in all 6 cylinders.
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

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  3. #3 Re: Does this sound like an alternator problem? 
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    sounds to me like he's saying it never gets going.

    I'd say it could be the alternator. If there's something wrong with your alternator it can, and frequently does, turf your battery as well. Take it to a place like auto zone or something, they do free alternator checks I think.

    TW,
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  4. #4 Re: Does this sound like an alternator problem? 
    The mod from over yonder TheOtherNick's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tarmac Wizard View Post
    sounds to me like he's saying it never gets going.

    I'd say it could be the alternator. If there's something wrong with your alternator it can, and frequently does, turf your battery as well. Take it to a place like auto zone or something, they do free alternator checks I think.

    TW,
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    He says it cranks. The alternator has nothing to do with starting.
    Do what bill said check for fuel and spark.
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