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Car shuts off, battery light turns on
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solis1ra
New User
Mar 10, 2009, 9:22 PM
Post #1 of 6
(3461 views)
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Car shuts off, battery light turns on
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1991
Eagle
Summit
1.5L 4 Cylinder
106,153Miles
Hey guys,
My car has its fair share of issues, but one problem is really becoming a pain. My car will turn itself off, and the battery light will come on. Its been happening for a few months now, and I have kind of learned of ways to prevent and predict when it will happen, but first, here is what exactly happens every time it happens.
After the engine is warmed up and has been driven for awhile,(never happens on a cold engine. Never) whenever I come to a complete stop and the car is still in drive, the idle speed seems to get lower and lower and the car will eventually "click" and turn off, leaving the battery light on. Sometimes, the car will sputter before turning off, sometime it will just click off. I will then attempt to start it again. Most of the time, it will start back up. There are times where it will not, and the engine will just turn over, making a nose like it is trying to start, but it never will, no matter how long you hold the key over. At this point, the only thing I can do is wait a few minutes and try again, and it will start back up.
To prevent this from occurring, I shift the car into neutral at a stop (yes very bad for transmission, I know). Although this helps, even in neutral, it can still turn off. The only sure fire way to prevent it from happening is to slightly rev the engine, (which I can't do in drive) so I go into Neutral or Park. If the engine isn't revved, it will most likely turn off.
Another note is that when I attempt to start the engine and it continually fails, you can smell gasoline rather strongly if that helps.
Other possibly important stuff:
- The car sat for many years, and needed a new transmission when we brought it back to life if you will.
- The interior light and headlights brighten as the car is being driven, or the engine is revved. I.E. they are dimmer when engine is not revved or driving.
I have heard that I need a new alternator, or I need a new battery, or new spark plugs, or there is something wrong with the fuel line, etc.. The thing is, I want to be sure on what the problem is before I spend any money on something. If you can help me out, I would greatly appreciate it!
If you have any additional questions, please ask! Thank you!
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 11, 2009, 6:38 PM
Post #2 of 6
(3452 views)
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Re: Car shuts off, battery light turns on
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Charging system voltage can cause the problem you are describing, so I'd recommend that you have it tested, as well as the battery itself. The engine management system depends on at least 12v, or the computer 'runs home to mama'. But, since you said that the engine still cranks over when this happens, I'm not convinced that it is a voltage problem. If the engine is over-fueling, that would match your symptoms, better. A cold engine can handle the extra fuel. A warm engine can't, and will cause rough running and dying at idle. Have the trouble codes pulled (most parts stores will do this for free) and post them here. Don't let them sell you any parts, yet. Pull the oil dipstick and smell the oil. If it smells like gasoline, let us know. And, get it changed.
Loren
SW Washington
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solis1ra
New User
Mar 11, 2009, 8:25 PM
Post #3 of 6
(3449 views)
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Re: Car shuts off, battery light turns on
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How can I get the engine codes? I know on newer cars it shows up on the digital odometer, but I don't have that.
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 12, 2009, 4:29 PM
Post #4 of 6
(3441 views)
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Re: Car shuts off, battery light turns on
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No cars have a digital read out of codes that are 'readily available' to the operator. All domestic cars from '83 or '84 have on-board diagnostics which can be retrieved with a scanner. Some parts stores (i.e. AutoZone) will retrieve those codes for you for free. But, some stores will try and sell you parts. Duh. That's why they do it.
Write down the codes they pull for you and post them here. We'll do our best to sort it out for you.
Loren
SW Washington
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 13, 2009, 3:08 PM
Post #5 of 6
(3430 views)
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Re: Car shuts off, battery light turns on
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Hetre is a site that might help you. Click here. Good luck.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 13, 2009, 4:01 PM
Post #6 of 6
(3429 views)
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Re: Car shuts off, battery light turns on
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>>No cars have a digital read out of codes that are 'readily available' to the operator.<< OOOPPPSSSS!!!
Didn't know that, W2O.  Now, I do.  Thanks.
btw, that's an excellent site!
Loren
SW Washington
(This post was edited by Loren Champlain Sr on Mar 13, 2009, 4:05 PM)
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