car won't stay cranked

95,000 MILES • 6 CYL • AUTOMATIC
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YAPPYRAT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
my vehicle would not start, so i jumped it. it started, but will not stay cranked when i remove my foot from the accelerator. could it be the alternator?
Feb 18, 2011 at 8:39 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,413 POSTS
What does "cranked" mean. It doesn't stay running? If so, and it will stay running if you hold the gas pedal down a little, the Engine Computer has to relearn "minimum throttle" before it will know when it must be in control of idle speed. To meet the conditions for the relearn to take place drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the brake or gas pedals.

To test the charging system, use an inexpensive digital voltmeter to measure battery voltage before you start the engine and after it is running. Before you start the engine, a fully charged battery will read near 12.6 volts. When the engine is running, the voltage must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts.
Feb 18, 2011 at 11:06 PM
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