iidieiv619

10.13.09

Recently my car's battery warning light kept randomly flickering on and off. Usually when I were to accelerate the light would shut off but when I would stop or let off the gas the light would turn back on.

I went to Autozone to get my battery and alternator checked. It both turned out fine.

I also have a sound system in my car; 2400 watt amp and two 12" 1000 watt subs. Although, I do not have capacitor! I know I do need to get one.

Just yesterday morning, the car was dead. NO battery power! I tried using two vehicles to jump the car (because the first didnt work). Although the jumps gave my battery a little bit of life...however the car still wouldnt start! The car just wouldnt turn over. I have enough gas...1/2 tank full.
I also tried pushin it and poppin the clutch but again, NO START!

I made sure I left no lights on (exterior and interior before it died). I checked the battery terminals and alternator terminals for corrosions, there were NONE.

I know the trick to have the car running and disconnect the positive terminal to see if the car dies( then it would be the alternator). I also know the screwdriver trick to put it near the alternator to feel for a magnetic pull. BUT OF COURSE MY CAR IS UNABLE TO START!

Recently I have changed the fuel filter and since then the car ran fine.

I believe it may be the alternator or just the battery...I just wanna make sure because I have ideas it may be something else. (Keep in mind, the battery and alternator were checked and it was fine...BUT could you really trust those tests?)

Could it be the:
fuel pump?
(Is the fuel pump easily heard when the key is turned on?)
(I have done 'fuel injector cleaners')
Bad ground?
Short?
Starter?

Thank you in advance.
Please no ignorant replies.

(Another question- Is turning the steering wheel of the vehicle while it is not running bad for the power steering because a lot of power steering fluid has leaked from the reservoir?)

indylude18

From another thread:

If you are still unsure about the battery/alternator/starter, try to push start the car. If it won't push start either, then it isn't one of those components, move on to step 2.

3 problems there.

First, you are using "Max" power numbers which are meaningless, the only numbers that mean anything useful for car audio are RMS numbers.

Second, a capacitor will do nothing to help you if you are exceeding the output of the alternator with your sound system. It will actually make the problem worse.

Third, the chances you are actually drawing more current than the alternator is producing are very small. I have run multiple car audio setups, some well over 1000 watts RMS, on stock alternators without issues for years.

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Bluetop H23a Vtec Swapped NHBP '99 Base

Matta1

The battery light means "Charging System Light".
This means that the battery isn't charging.
Sounds like a half working alternator. Or bad wiring from alternator to battey.
The starter on the car need a lot of juice, so a low battery isn't able to start the car.

iidieiv619

If you have read, i did try to push start it...but it didnt start.

I guess I have to move onto the main relay and the ignition switch after that.

I'll keep you guys updated!
(However im outta town...gimme a couple days)

yohan420

If the altenator doesn't provide power, the car will die. period. everything is electronic from the fuel gauge to the fuel injection.

Get a new battery (or put yours on a trickle charger). Once you're confident the battery is good, try and start the car. If it starts, most likely the altenator.

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