1999 Hyundai Sonata car trouble

112,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
T4B2T0
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
It was really snowy out today and I was attempting to climb a hill the rpms got really high and then my brake light and my battery light came on. Very shortly after that the car got very hot and I had to park it. When I got back and started it the brake and battery light were still on I drove to the gas station and turned the car off and refilled the coolent that had came out earlier when it got really hot. When I tried to start the car the battery was dead. I got a jump and the car started right up I drove home and when I got home I was trying to let it run to charge the battery and It the power was getting very low as well as the rpms were jumping from between 300 to 2000 then when I placed the car in reverse It died and the battery is completly dead again. It seems like it could be an alternator problem but I am confused as to why It was overheating also.
Dec 20, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Avatar
ZACKMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 4,202 POSTS
Get the alternator replaced, first off. The overheating is probably related IF the radiator fans didn't turn on while you were overheating due to low electrical energy. The PCM automatically pulls power from accessories to keep the engine running.

IF, after the alternator is replaced and the battery is replaced/fully charged, the overheating problem still exists, then we will troubleshoot some more.
Dec 22, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle