QuestionI have a 92 Mits. Eclipse GS, Automatic. It has had battery problems for a long time. My dad had an electrical test on it, they couldn't find anything and assumed it needed a new computer chip, which he bought. Apparently it worked fine.
When I got it, it was fine for about a year, then my wife left the lights on. Battery died. ~March or April '05.
About 2 months later, the battery died, just as we were pulling in to a friends house. We jumped it, took it home 20 minutes away and it died again. We jumped it the next morning, took it to Pep Boys and got a new battery. They recommended another electrical test. We didn't do that because it was running fine for about a month and a half. Roughly 2 weeks ago, the battery died after not driving it for 2 days. We jumped it, took it to pep boys and had the alternator checked (checked out fine). So we took it to the electrical place...they did their test, couldn't find anything draining the battery. He recommended to drive it around as it was (not fully charged) and wait for another problem to occur so he can try to assess.
It's hot. 85+ lately. If we start the car with the AC on, it dies when you back out. If you back out and later turn the AC on, it shutters like it's going to stall.
Finally, tonight, when my wife pulled at someones house, it died again. However, everything worked (lights, windows, etc...) and when we turned the key it sounded like it was trying to turn over, but didn't. We tried to jump it, but it still wouldn't turn over.
So, what might be the problem that nobody can seem to figure out? Could it be the spark plugs needing replaced? Are they misfiring? Should we tow it to Pep Boys or the Electrical place or the Dump?
Have an idea?
Thanks,
Dan
AnswerDan,
Electrical problems can be tough to track. If your battery keeps dying, there is definitely a problem in your charging system. Even if there was short in your battery circuit, your battery should still be charging when the engine is running.
I would venture to guess your problem could be your alternator. Even though you had it checked out, you are showing signs of a failing alternator. If you are still using your original alternator, there is a good chance it's starting to die. The alternators that Eclipses came with from the factory had a very long life. Most alternators die within 7-10 years, though I've heard from many Eclipse owners that there's had lasted 12-15 years. The alternators in these cars typically give many warning signs over a long period of time before the die completely. My alternator gave me about 2 years of warning signs before it really started to die. The symptoms you mentioned sounds similar.
If you want to get a good test of your alternator, take your car to have it tested at PepBoys (or AutoZone or Advanced Auto Parts or the eletrical shop) again. Take it on a really hot day and do not turn off your car. You want to keep the engine as warm as possible.
The reason why you should have this checked on a hot day when your engine is hot is because that is a more 'real world' test. The resistance in electrical systems increases dramatically when temperature goes up. If your alternator is having issues, or there is any eletrical problems, they can be revealed much easier on hot days.
I would recommend having the eletrical place inspect your system again. Replacing items like your alternator, spark plugs, and plug wires may help or fix your problem completely. Also have the shop inspect your battery cables leading to your starter motor. Your car is definitely not ready for the dump quite yet. Though having a 13+ year old car means that you must keep up with the regular maintenance items.
Good luck!
