Starting issues with dimming headlights

Tiny
KERI JO CLENDENIN JOHNSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
  • 2.7L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
My car is having issues. It's very cold here. When I start my car I turn the key and all I hear is a click then when I turn the key again it starts just fine. Sometimes it takes a few tries and sometimes it starts the first try When I turn it the 1st time and it does nothing but click I still have power to the radio, heater, dash and headlights. Also, while I'm driving when I idle down the headlights dim for a second and the heater blower power decreases for a second also. We bought a new battery hoping that was the issue. It was not. Also the new battery is reading great but when I rev up the engine the battery voltage goes way down. Also the check engine light is on reading a bad o2 sensor.
Friday, February 12th, 2021 AT 1:50 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Based on your description, it sounds like the alternator is bad. You said the voltage drops when you rev the engine. It should do the opposite.

Also, the idea that you get a click and then it starts normally leads me to believe there is either a loose connection or the starter is going bad.

Lets start simple. I need you to check a couple things. First, make sure the battery terminals on the new battery are clean and tight. Here is a link to help:

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

Next, I need you to check the alternator output. Here is a link that explains how to do it.

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

Let me know what you find. Also, at a low idle, it isn't uncommon for the lights to dim and blower to slow a bit.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
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Friday, February 12th, 2021 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
KERI JO CLENDENIN JOHNSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I'm sorry. I didn't clearly explain when I rev the engine. When I rev it up and then let off the gas that's when the voltage drops way down. I'm taking it to my mechanic now tomorrow. He also cleaned the battery terminals two nights ago when I took it to him. He is going to look at the alternator also and the starter. He also thinks it maybe one of those causing the issues. Thanks for your suggestions.
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Friday, February 12th, 2021 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. If you can, let me know what is found. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care of yourself,

Joe
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Saturday, February 13th, 2021 AT 6:36 PM

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