Car dies at idle, lights dim and eventually the car shuts off.

[Spydur86]

Alright guys, I've been trying to figure this out for awhile now, but it may be a combination of problems since that's just my luck. I'm pretty sure I have a spun rod (car knocks at around 3k) but other than that, my battery/alternator are acting weird. It's not that the alternator is dead, because everything works fine if I keep the rpms over 2k. While I'm idling at a stoplight or what not thought, the lights will fade, the cd player will shut off, everything will just die out on me and eventually the car will stall (I can save this from happening by putting it in neutral and holding the rpms at 2k.) Also, the battery seems to be draining because right after this happens the car won't start. But once again, if I keep the car at 2k then everything is usually fine (even the battery.) Also, I'm sucking through coolant like crazy, but my car's always done that.

EDIT: Sorry guys, it's a 1996 Eclipse GS, automatic, with 125k miles. And if it helps at all, I have a system in it which may or may not be the reason for the alternator problems all the sudden (have had it for 3 years now.)

 

[ddavisaf]

When the car is running, disconnect the battery. If it dies, it's the alternator. If it keeps running it's the battery. Replace accordingly. You also said that your cars battery is draining right? Meaning that you have a short. Or, possibly because your battery is about done.

Run the test, replace the component and get back to us.

As to the coolant. You need to run a compression test. Are you visibly seeing a leak under your car after you drive or when you leave it sitting somewhere for a while?

 

[Defiant]

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148744

 

[CaviSpeedRacer]

have you resolved this problem?

I have a very similar problem. The car's dash and headlights will dim when I originally start the car and when it is under about 1500 rpms. After it warms up it doesn't do it as much, but it still idles kind of weird at stoplights. Also there are no boost leaks. I have already replaced the battery and alternator... you think it could be the belts?

 

[1gDSM4g63]

Check your wiring and fuses but I pretty sure you either need to get a new battery or alternator is bad. It is common that steering oil drips on to the alternator because the power steering is right above the alternator or at least it is in the 1g. If that's not the case check the alternator belt and make sure it is grounded.

 

[CaviSpeedRacer]

I bought a new battery, but my car still does the same thing. I don't believe its the alternator because it is only 2 months old, and there doesn't appear to be any dripping or anything onto it.

The lights only dim while the engine is cold. Once it warms up to operating temperature or I have been driving for awhile the dimming stops and everything runs as usual.

Do you think that the belts are just really cold and once they warm up they no longer slip? Is that possible? I'm from Wisconsin and we have been dealing with sub-arctic temperatures overnight (I park my car outside). Long story short... its damn cold.

 

[Simpleman1]

Double check your voltage. When engine is not running, the battery should have at least 12.2 volts after resting overnight. When engine is running, the battery should be rading at least 13.5 volts. Buy a cheap ($10-$20) digital voltmeter from Sears or your local Auto Supply store.

 

[CaviSpeedRacer]

My buddy has one back at home. I will be there this weekend and I'll be sure to test it and reply back. It's a new battery, but I will still check it out.

So there is really no possibility it is the belts adapting with different temperatures?