Alternator or starter issue?
#1
3rd Gear
Thread Starter
Alternator or starter issue?
So recently I've been having trouble with starting my 2006 Acura TL. It had issues before because the battery that was in there was cheap, so about a months ago I got a brand new platinum battery in there and had no issues for a few weeks.
Now however, it wouldn't start. The brake pedal would be firm, and whenever I'd turn the key I'd just hear a click. No start, but everything electrical would work fine. I'd jump it and it would start up just fine, however it would be dead in the driveway by the next day. I tested the voltage on the battery and it would be low again.
Would this be an alternator on its way out draining my battery, or is this a starter issue with it being spotty on starting my car?
Any help would be appreciated on fixes, cheap part replacements, or this being a whole different issue altogether 👍
Now however, it wouldn't start. The brake pedal would be firm, and whenever I'd turn the key I'd just hear a click. No start, but everything electrical would work fine. I'd jump it and it would start up just fine, however it would be dead in the driveway by the next day. I tested the voltage on the battery and it would be low again.
Would this be an alternator on its way out draining my battery, or is this a starter issue with it being spotty on starting my car?
Any help would be appreciated on fixes, cheap part replacements, or this being a whole different issue altogether 👍
#2
Could also be an electrical leak, I had that in my last Acura. I think it was the aftermarket alarm. It was fast enough to drain the battery in a day to the point the engine wouldn't turn over.
#3
3rd Gear
Thread Starter
It is to be noted that before any of these issues I took out the infamous Bluetooth module, and also took out a ghetto push to start that the previous owner installed.
#4
Senior Moderator
go to an auto parts store they can test the charging system and see if it's working.
#5
Just put a volt meter and if it over 13.5 volt while the car is running than the alternator is charging your battery.
when you park your car overnight disconnects the battery and connect back in the morning. This will tell you if the electrical systems is draining the battery.
Make sure to check, remove and clean your battery terminals. I had the same exact problem and it was the negative battery terminal was oxidized and preventing the battery from charging. I bet this is your problem!
when you park your car overnight disconnects the battery and connect back in the morning. This will tell you if the electrical systems is draining the battery.
Make sure to check, remove and clean your battery terminals. I had the same exact problem and it was the negative battery terminal was oxidized and preventing the battery from charging. I bet this is your problem!
Last edited by VictorTL; 07-25-2024 at 06:58 PM.
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CrispyMP3 (07-26-2024)
#6
As mentioned above, first thing is check all the electrical connections. If you overtighten the OEM style battery terminals, they can get stretched & then no longer be able to tighten down effectively on the battery posts
I would use a multi-meter to check the battery voltage whilst the engine is running (should be above 13.5v as mentioned above). Then, check the resting battery voltage right after you shut off the car & then check again right before you go to restart it. You can also use the multi-meter to check the resistance on the battery/starter cables. If the battery voltage is falling below 12v over the span of a few hours, either the battery is bad -or- you have a drain somewhere.
I would use a multi-meter to check the battery voltage whilst the engine is running (should be above 13.5v as mentioned above). Then, check the resting battery voltage right after you shut off the car & then check again right before you go to restart it. You can also use the multi-meter to check the resistance on the battery/starter cables. If the battery voltage is falling below 12v over the span of a few hours, either the battery is bad -or- you have a drain somewhere.
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