Hyundai: Electrical, 2002 kia spectra, engine cranks

Question
Hi Toney

This question relates to a KIA but there were no KIA experts and Hyundai owns KIA so I am hoping my model is similar enough to a Hyundai to apply. I appreciate you giving this a shot. I have a 2002 Kia Spectra GSX 5 speed and I was driving it all day with no problems. I went into the grocery store and when I come out the the car barley turns over twice. Everything is near dead for power. I was thinking it was the battery so I call a friend to give me a boost but it still barely turns over. With the booster cables connected the headlights work, the radio works, etc. but wont turn over. I checked the battery clamps and terminals. They are clean and tight. I reconnect the booster cables and try again but still barely turns over. Wait a few minutes to charge, barely turns over. Wait about 5 min. then 10 min then 15 min. Then it turns over just enough to start. I took it for a drive to charge up. Its dark now so I have the lights on, no radio or anything else. The car had been running about 5 to 10 minutes and while I am driving on the highway it dies. No lights, nothing. It jerks as the engine cranks it over and and it's ok for a minute or two (everything works) then dies again. It keeps repeating this process as I make my way home, about another 10 min. A couple times I hold in the clutch and when it dies it stays that way till I let out the clutch and the engine cranks over. As I get near home it stops dying out so I drive around town for about another 5 min. and it does not die out again. I shut it off when I get home and when I try to start it again it won't even turn over although it was not completely dead. What ever help you can offer is appreciated and thanks gain for giving this a shot.

Dean

Answer
Hi Dean, you might want to just buy a new battery if you say the battery terminals and clamps are clean. Make sure you get a KIA battery because most times some cars doesn't last long or charge with other brand batteries due to to much wattage or less.