The second night I had it I accidentally left the key in the ignition, car turned off (which could have drained the battery if it had been left in the on ignition position? I don't remember if I did). When I came back the jeep needed a jump start. Then it stalled a block later up a hill and wouldn't restart until I got another jump start. Then same thing happened a block later so I just parked it.
The next morning I came back to pick it up and put in a couple gallons of gas (was low and I wanted to eliminate that as a cause of the problem) and it started up. It got me to a gas station where after turning it off it wouldn't start without another jump.
Next morning it took a couple tries but it started up and then I drove it around and then to the mechanic's. The mechanic changed the squeaking/slipping alternator belt since that may have been preventing sufficient charge. So then I drove it home ok.
Then this morning it wouldn't even turn over - just made a clicking kind of grinding sound. I didn't bother getting a jump start. The mechanic HAD checked the battery and said it was fine. He HAD checked the alternator and said the charging system was ok but running low when I had all the electrical stuff running (lights, engine, radio, heat) so I COULD drive it but not at night with stuff on and I should get the alternator fixed soon.
Does this sound right? I had a car before that a mechanic said the battery on it was fine though I kept needed jump starts. It turned out the battery was nearly dead but his measurements never picked up on it. I think the guy off Craigslist who I bought this from was trustworthy and he did say it was a newer alternator. Could it just be a new battery I need and how do I make sure? If I get someone to put in a used alternator how do I know it won't be a dud? Help please? Any advice?
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Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 AT 12:28 AM
