Ok so tonight as im leaving the pizza shop I get into my car, and i turn the key, and it gives me a dying try trying to turn on, like the battery is dead, i turn it off and try a second time, only to be rewarded with a rapid clicking sound. . .I got a boost and it worked fine, drove to my next destination and when i tried tunring the car on the second time (3 hours later) it did the exact same thing, dies on the first turn, clicking on the second. . got a boost and it worked.

Now 2 weeks ago I had my battery, alternator, and voltage something or other checked by the mechanic, in response to what ended up being an ignition switch problem fixed under the 2001 recall. (i have a 99 tlp)

So do batteries or alternators just die? Or would it be a slow and steady thing that wouldve come up 2 weeks ago?

What else could it be besides for an alternator problem?
Meaning it holds the charge for the drive, but no longer after i turn the car off.

any help is much appreciated.
thanks

 

Alternators don't just die.

If you're getting the clicking sound, then at least the starter is working -- just not enough juice to turn the engine over.

If you car runs on 24v but not on 12v, then the battery is dying. Or your ground could have become unstable. You can get the battery checked for free at most auto parts stores. If the battery checks out fine, then it's probably a ground problem.

 

the clicking is very very very fast, it sounds different than on my previous cars

oh yeah, another thing, maybe unrelated. . .when i turned on my car for the first time tonight, (before all the problems started) i heard some sort of grinding sound. . couldnt really tell what it was cause i was talking to my wife and on the phone at the same time, quick noise and then it was over. ..

(any help. . please)?

 

How old is the battery? Do you have a high powered audio system or stock system?

It could be either your battery or your alterantor or it could be both if they are being taxed by amps in an audio system. The alternator can last 7-10 years & battery less then that. The best way to tell is take it to a pepboys or autozone & have them test the alternator & battery for free.

 

sounds like a battery issue. bring it to a auto parts place or a sears and let them load test teh batery. that will tell you if its good or bad. aito parts places can also test teh alt to see if its puting out the correct voltage or not too.