Stalling while driving

BRANDON PRESLER

MEMBER
2004 SATURN ION
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
1,000,000 MILES

One time driving down the road my light started to dim out and the car starts to run rough and then finally just stalls out. This is after running for about fifteen to twenty minutes and then sometimes it will start back up. Sometimes it'll act like the battery is dead and then I have to jump it. I'm getting full voltage to my battery in the car is on and off. Stumped I don't know what to do. I'm leaning towards the alternator but I don't know.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,896 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Honestly, I think you are heading in the right direction. If the lights are dimming before it happens, either the alternator isn't working correctly or there is a bad connection.

What I want you to do is simply perform a basic alternator test. You will check battery voltage with the engine off and all components off. Then you will check battery voltage when you start the engine.

With the engine off, you should see right around 12 volts. With it running, it should be around 14 volts. In addition the alternator needs to be able to maintain under a load, Follow the next link for testing.

Here is a link that shows how it is done:

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

Here are a few other links that you may find helpful:

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know the results or if you have other questions. Also, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Corrosion can cause problems, too.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Joe