Problem:

Two times this week I have had to jump start the car to start it. The first time I thought I left a light on in the car, but after having to jump it today, im thinking there is something wrong with either the alternator, battery, or spark plugs. I looked at the turbo timer to check the volts and it was only at approx 9.2 before I jumped it. Afterwards it goes right back to around 14.2 volts.

I do not have an upgraded stereo system, however, I do have a pulley and some other mods. I've had the pulley on for over 1.5yrs. Any info would help. Thanks!

 

If you don't properly jump start a car, you can burn out the alternater. It could be just your battery going out.

 

Have you done the alternator check yet?

Turn on the car.
Disconnect the ground cable from the battery.
If the car is still running, you're alternator is fine. It may be your battery or wiring.

 

do you have an accessport? ;p

 

yea check your battery for dead cells.

 

sounds like the battery. the voltage should be in the mid to low 14's with the car off and no electronics on.

 

I am going to do the alternator check tomorrow. One question though: Disconnecting the ground wire while the car is running won't shock me will it?
haha sorry but im always worried when it comes to electrical...

 

try using a midtronic battery tester, it will tell you what's going with it.

then try load-testing your car with the battery in it, that should help.

if your car passes the above tests, then perform a draw test to determine if something is drawing current from your battery when it's shut off.

once you have one of these and a Fluke and you should be set:

http://www.midtronics.com/main.php?C...20&recordID=43

 

time for an optima!!

The stock battery isn't impressive at all...

 

No, you'll be ok. Just don't stand in any puddles of water. lol
Remember: Negative cable is the black cable on the battery.(Disconnect that one)
Try that trick if you don't have a voltage reader.
Good luck

 

This will put a ton of strain on the alternator...I would suggest that you go to an auto parts store and ask them to do a battery/alternator test for you. I did this about a month ago. I went to kragen and after 5 min and $0 I found out that my battery was fried.

 

Yes but it's for a brief moment.
You're right, the best way to test an alternator is to take it off and take it to Kragen or any auto parts store.
But If you're mechanically inclined try the alternator test first.
It's up to you dude. If I were you, I'd take it to a shop and have someone look at it.

 

Kragen can test the alternator as well as the battery while they are still on the car, for free. Have you recently had an alarm system change/upgrade? Often, if there is a short or improperly installed component, it can drain the battery. But I agree with the rest of the group that it is most likely the battery.

 

oh no way. lol I'm old.

well there you go. Take it in.

 

Yeah, they have this electical system tester that they wheel out to the parking lot and assuming the associate knows how to work it, it will test the battery with a load test and give you the current being supplied by the alt.

But that is assuming the guy knows how to work it.