Gracer
Proven Member
- 33
- 8
- Nov 30, 2023
-
Plymouth,
Wisconsin
One week ago we fixed my hard starting issue by replacing the fuel pump and the wiring.
Now in the last couple of days it's been hard starting again. I'm getting adequate fuel pressure. I replaced the coolant temp sensor as well.
Then earlier tonight at work the car took several attempts to start and when it did crank over it idled really rough like a misfire until it warmed up all the way to temperature. Hours later when driving home from work right before I pulled into the garage the car started to surge and act funny and it seemed as if any accessories I turned on would make the car stumble and dim the lights. I turned the car off and check the battery voltage right away and it was only 11.80 volts. A couple minutes later I checked and we were up to 12 volts and slowly rising.
It's late at night and I have my newborn coming over in the morning but I'm suspecting that it must be the alternator. However this is a DSM and I know you guys might know some things I don't know about these cars. Would a failing alternator cause all of these symptoms?
First it was hard starting again. Then it was rough idle until warm. And now it's losing power when turning on accessories such as radio and fans and bright lights all seem to affect the car even when driving. I made one more attempt to turn the car over after I stopped and it started but it sounded like a weak battery of course because it barely had but 12.00 volts going to it.
Should I pull the alternator off and have it tested at a nearby auto store? If it checks out good, what other possible things could it be?
Now in the last couple of days it's been hard starting again. I'm getting adequate fuel pressure. I replaced the coolant temp sensor as well.
Then earlier tonight at work the car took several attempts to start and when it did crank over it idled really rough like a misfire until it warmed up all the way to temperature. Hours later when driving home from work right before I pulled into the garage the car started to surge and act funny and it seemed as if any accessories I turned on would make the car stumble and dim the lights. I turned the car off and check the battery voltage right away and it was only 11.80 volts. A couple minutes later I checked and we were up to 12 volts and slowly rising.
It's late at night and I have my newborn coming over in the morning but I'm suspecting that it must be the alternator. However this is a DSM and I know you guys might know some things I don't know about these cars. Would a failing alternator cause all of these symptoms?
First it was hard starting again. Then it was rough idle until warm. And now it's losing power when turning on accessories such as radio and fans and bright lights all seem to affect the car even when driving. I made one more attempt to turn the car over after I stopped and it started but it sounded like a weak battery of course because it barely had but 12.00 volts going to it.
Should I pull the alternator off and have it tested at a nearby auto store? If it checks out good, what other possible things could it be?
