QuestionEvery day or two I go outside to start my car and find it dead. My "car guy" tested the battery and doesn't think it's low enough to be a battery problem. How do I test to find the real problem? If it's an alternator problem, how difficult would it be to replace it myself?
AnswerHi Candice,
First thing your 'car guy' should do is test the specific gravity and level of the electrolyte in the cells of the battery. If you've owned the battery for three years or more, that would be the first thing I'd do to insure the integrity of the battery is good before proceeding to the next test(s).
If those tests show a good battery, then you'll need to have it charged and load-tested. Your car guy should have the equipment to perform those tasks.
If after those tests the battery is determined to NOT be the problem, there is probably a dead-short somewhere in the electrical system which is drawing-down the voltage stored in the battery over time or your starter motor/solenoid is sticking/the contacts are dirty and not allowing a complete disconnect from the power or maybe the trunk light switch is broke and the light in the trunk is on all the time and killing the battery.
I guess what I'm saying is that if the battery is not the problem, you'll want someone reputable to go over the vehicle with a fine-tooth comb and determine what is causing the problem. I can only guess from here.
Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).
Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php
