Car will not stay started

VICTOR LAPOINT

MEMBER
2008 PONTIAC G6
3.6L
V6
2WD
146,000 MILES

I was having trouble with my car it would not start and shut off when I was driving. I replace the battery in my car it ran for about a day and a half and then it shut off again. So I took it to a friend of mine and he replaced the alternator in my car and when he went to start it it would not start. When he hooked his charger up to for about 45 minutes when he took the charger off it shut off again. Any answers to that?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

It sounds like either a dead/weak battery or a loose or corroded battery terminal. What I need you to do is first, load test the battery, second, check terminals, and last, confirm the alternator is working. I realize both the battery and alternator were replaced, so my first suspect is a loose or corroded connection. It sounds like a lot, but it's easy to do. Follow these links:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

You will need a volt meter or multi meter to check the alt, but it is a very simple process. Here is a link that explains how to use a volt meter:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Do these things and let me know the results. And honestly, if the battery terminals are corrode, make sure to remove the terminals and clean both sides of the connection. Anytime there is an electrical issue like this, it's important to start where the power comes from.

Take care,
Joe