rbeggs

Car started as per normal yesterday AM. Drove about 5 min when Antilock, ABD and Airbag lamps come on. Car continues for 10 more blocks and engine begins to flutter, no turn indicator, hitting on only several cylinders then dies. I manage to coast through a hair raising left turn in traffic at 1 mph and coast down a hill. Start on compression. Get 8 more blocks and slowly die again coasting into a safe spot.

Car exhibits characteristic rapid clicking sound when I attempt to start. All belts intact. Fresh battery delivered to car. I start just fine. Continue for 5 more min. to destination.

Get in car at 2AM and drive for 5 min then again enter electrical hell. Antilock, ABD and Airbag come on. 4 min later radio illumination starts flashing on/off at random, dash illumination begins slow steady dim. As I pull into garage headlights are flashing on/off irregularly. Car now dead again.

That's 2 batteries killed in 1/2 hour of driving. Any ideas?

Many thanks,

-rb

Quadcammer

Isn't the obvious question what the voltage is while the car is running?

d ward

Alternator knakered
Sounds like your alternator isn't charging the battery

rbeggs

No ability to measure voltage during this little scenario. But yes, alternator is the obvious culprit but shouldn't the alternator warning light come on? It never has.

Out to garage.

I just now checked the warning lamps. When I turn on the ignition all the warning lights turn on except the alternator warning lamp. Burnt out warning lamp?

I was surprised by how fast the battery was pulled down though. I'm contemplating the wisdom of recharging the battery and attempting to reach my shop.

Thanks for your responses

Quadcammer

Its possible the 2nd battery new from the store was partially discharged.

ca993twin

Alternator fer sure. Sorry

Mister C

A similar thing happened in my old Ford Probe. I was on the highway when it hit me that it was the alternator. I could literally see the voltmeter needle move as I drove. Within 4 miles of running spark plugs and everything else on battery alone she died at the end of the exit ramp. Very fast drain.

Good luck.

rbeggs

Quadcammer... that's a strong possibility (second battery quasi-funky). Of course I never marked them new /old at the outset several years ago and they both look brand new. I also am not in the habit of being dutiful about the warning lamp operation check at startup. Maybe this'll make an impression. How many of us actually check that christmas tree at startup?

Looks like Triple A tow to the shop.

Thanks guys.

-rb

NP993

Get a cheap digital multimeter at Sears ($20) and check the resting amperage of the battery and the charging amperage (while the car is idling). Really simple test -- will tell you what you need to know.

IXLR8

Besides not being charged, the battery you installed, if fully charged, should have delivered 120 minutes of use. Its called the Reserve Capacity of the battery specification. My alternator belt failed and my relatively new battery got me home from 110 miles away.

Install a voltmeter and forget the rest of the bling.

techman1

I think the demise of battery #2 was faster due to the 2am drive With Headlights on!