stranded for the first time -- car would not start
03-23-2012, 10:57 PM
#16
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I put the battery on charger for the day and the car started! Feeling so dumb now 
So part of the problem is a weak battery. The weird thing is before I drove the car yesterday the car has been on battery tender for a few days already so I'm sure the battery is fully charged. Plus there is a lot of cranking power when I try to get the car started yesterday. It did at least a hundred crank without the sign of battery weakening...I understand load test might be a difference story though...Is there a chance that the battery is strong enough to crank but not enough to power the ECU and electronics??
Another thing is a weak battery shouldn't affect the engine cutting out while running right? I thought the alternator is providing most of the juice once the car started. So I suspect a second issue might be grounding problem. I plan to replace the the battery ground and the starter to transmission ground. Is there other grounding point I should check? Any other ideas? Thanks for all the help.
So part of the problem is a weak battery. The weird thing is before I drove the car yesterday the car has been on battery tender for a few days already so I'm sure the battery is fully charged. Plus there is a lot of cranking power when I try to get the car started yesterday. It did at least a hundred crank without the sign of battery weakening...I understand load test might be a difference story though...Is there a chance that the battery is strong enough to crank but not enough to power the ECU and electronics??Another thing is a weak battery shouldn't affect the engine cutting out while running right? I thought the alternator is providing most of the juice once the car started. So I suspect a second issue might be grounding problem. I plan to replace the the battery ground and the starter to transmission ground. Is there other grounding point I should check? Any other ideas? Thanks for all the help.
Last edited by hchc; 03-23-2012 at 11:19 PM.
03-24-2012, 03:12 AM
#20
RL Technical Advisor
It bears repeating that these cars (OBD-1 & OBD-2) are VERY sensitive to system voltages and this means that the battery, ALL associated cables, grounds, voltage regulator & alternator must be in perfect working condition to prevent intermittent electrical ills.
I've learned this the hard way and to never, ever assume anything until thoroughly checked out.
03-24-2012, 12:02 PM
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There is a ground strap from the back of the alternator to the engine case.
It bears repeating that these cars (OBD-1 & OBD-2) are VERY sensitive to system voltages and this means that the battery, ALL associated cables, grounds, voltage regulator & alternator must be in perfect working condition to prevent intermittent electrical ills.
I've learned this the hard way and to never, ever assume anything until thoroughly checked out.
It bears repeating that these cars (OBD-1 & OBD-2) are VERY sensitive to system voltages and this means that the battery, ALL associated cables, grounds, voltage regulator & alternator must be in perfect working condition to prevent intermittent electrical ills.
I've learned this the hard way and to never, ever assume anything until thoroughly checked out.
Yes thats why I'm going to address all the ground cables.
They looks fine from outside but its original so probably time to change. I wouldn't drive the car now knowing that it would dies on me even with a new battery.
Also sent you a PM:-)
03-24-2012, 07:31 PM
#23
RL Technical Advisor
PM answered,...
03-24-2012, 10:05 PM
#24
Race Director
Sorry Steve, I may have been misinterpreted. I meant if the battery has enough power to crank the engine over (as normal) it's got enough power to power the ECU. Doesn't mean there isn't a loose/bad connection somewhere in the electronics.
