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gschotland · 03-19-2010, 05:45 AM

Sounds more like an alternator than the starter. Get your battery tested and if it's OK get an overnight deep cycle charge (a battery maintainer won't do it). With a battery you know is good, you should have enough juice to get the car started (assuming it's not the starter) to test the alternator. I bet you'll find the alternator's output is low, running your battery down.

The voltage regulator in the alternator is often the problem. If your alternator appears to be good otherwise (no burned smell, looks clean, turns freely), try changing out the voltage regulator yourself for $20-$30. There are lots of good posts on diagnosing, removing and refitting the alternator.

03-19-2010, 05:45 AM	#7
gschotland Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: nj Posts: 389	Sounds more like an alternator than the starter. Get your battery tested and if it's OK get an overnight deep cycle charge (a battery maintainer won't do it). With a battery you know is good, you should have enough juice to get the car started (assuming it's not the starter) to test the alternator. I bet you'll find the alternator's output is low, running your battery down. The voltage regulator in the alternator is often the problem. If your alternator appears to be good otherwise (no burned smell, looks clean, turns freely), try changing out the voltage regulator yourself for $20-$30. There are lots of good posts on diagnosing, removing and refitting the alternator.