Car does not start - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

gatrus · 09-29-2008, 15:26

Boy am I glad I found this site.
After 1 week of not starting my car, to my surprise it didn't start. I hocked up the battery to my charger and it started right away. The minute I removed the cables the car died. Ithought it was a no brainer I changed my alternator. After changing the alternator, I tried to start the car but it was dead. I hooked up the cables and it started. The minute I removed the cables it died again. What could be the cause? I thought that after the car starts the alternator takes over for the battery.

**jwko** · 09-29-2008, 17:07

I would suspect a bad battery

thefonz · 09-29-2008, 17:58

The battery is either bad or lacking a charge. But, the vehicle should remain running.
Unfortunately, a new alt doesn't mean it is good. You may also just have a poor connection.

**tbird100636** · 09-29-2008, 20:21

Make sure the Battery terminals are tight and clean. A battery on the way out can cause the car to die, even with a good alternator. If the battery looks aged or if you know the age and it's 4 or more years old it may be time for a new one. Don't cheap out and buy a group size 58, get the group size 65 battery. 650-700 CCA is sufficient. Get a Digital Multimeter and read the battery voltage with the car off. Should be around 12.6V. With the car running it should be 13.8-14.6V.