Electrical Problem, Car won't start or stay running.

1986 DODGE ARIES
190,000 MILES • 2.2L • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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WHERESWALDO
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  • 2 POSTS
When I put the key into start, the starter clicks. However when I get a jumpstart, the car will stay running for a few minutes but the battery doesn't get a solid connection with the alternator cause the battery level goes from a 12 to an 8 on the dashboard, it kills the car if I hit my headlights and when I drive the stereo (a newer one) turns itself on and off repeatedly. Any ideas??
Dec 31, 2013 at 9:12 AM
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CJ MEDEVAC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,000 POSTS
SNATCH MR. BATTERY OUT HAVE IT TESTED AT A POPULAR AUTO PARTS STORE

RECHARGE IT.....OR GET A NEW ONE (IF NEEDED)

INSTALL IN THE CAR---TAKE THE WHOLE CAR BACK TO THE AUTO PARTS STORE.....THIS TIME HAVE THE ENTIRE CHARGING SYSTEM TESTED (ALTERNATOR)

IT'S POSSIBLE THAT A .......CONNECTION,......FUSE OR A FUSIBLE LINK IS THE PROBLEM IF THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR PASS

HOW TO ATTACK CONNECTIONS PRIOR TO GOING TO THE AUTO PARTS STORE...........THIS COULD POSSIBLY BE THE WHOLE PROBLEM!.....SEE MY LINK, BELOW, AND THE PICS I MADE IN IT

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1996-chevrolet-tahoe-wont-start-sounds-dead-battery-jumpbox-get-same-reults

RETURN TO THIS THREAD WITH A BIG OLE GRIN!

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Dec 31, 2013 at 10:44 AM
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SATURNTECH9
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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The first thing I would do is have the battery charged and Tested?Also sounds like your alternator isnt charging.
Dec 31, 2013 at 10:46 AM
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SATURNTECH9
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
I wouldnt drive it with a possible bad alternator we can test it with a multi meter if you have one?
Dec 31, 2013 at 10:48 AM
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WHERESWALDO
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Well, forgot to mention the battery has been charged and the alternator has been pulled and tested at autozone, passed as well. replaced the metal battery connectors due to rust and kerosion, replaced the entire ground cable as well. Replaced the distributer, and next job is the distributer rotor and cap plus spark plugs n wires. If that doesn't work, where should I go from there?
Jan 1, 2014 at 3:33 AM
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