Car Will Jump Start but Wont Stay Running – Solved!
A car that will jump start but won’t stay running can be a frustrating problem to deal with. There are several potential causes of this issue, including a faulty alternator, a blown fuse between the alternator and battery, a loose drive belt, or wiring problems.
To diagnose and solve the problem, it’s important to understand the causes and perform the necessary checks. In this article, we’ll cover the various causes of this problem, how to diagnose it, and the steps you can take to fix it.
Whether you’re comfortable fixing the problem yourself or prefer to seek the help of a professional, this guide will provide you with the information you need to get your car running smoothly and reliably.
Car Will Jump Start but Wont Stay Running – Solved!
It sounds like there might be a problem with your car’s charging system, which is preventing the battery from staying charged. There could be a number of potential causes for this, including a faulty alternator, a blown fuse between the alternator and battery, a loose drive belt, or a problem with the wiring.
To diagnose the problem, you can start by checking the voltage across the battery with the engine running. A fully charged battery should read between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If the voltage is lower than this, it could indicate an issue with the alternator. You can also check the 120 amp fuse between the alternator and the battery, as a blown fuse could prevent the battery from charging.
If you’re unsure about what to do next, it might be a good idea to take your car to a professional for further diagnosis. A specialist in foreign auto electrical systems would be best suited to troubleshoot the issue and provide you with a solution.
Causes of the Problem
Faulty Alternator
The alternator is responsible for generating electricity and charging the battery while the engine is running. If the alternator is faulty, it may not generate enough electricity to keep the battery charged, causing the battery to run down and the engine to stall.
Blown Fuse Between Alternator and Battery
The fuse acts as a safety mechanism to protect the charging system. If the fuse is blown, it can prevent the alternator from charging the battery, causing the battery to run down and the engine to stall.
Loose Drive Belt
The drive belt connects the alternator to the engine, allowing the alternator to generate electricity. If the drive belt is loose, it may cause the alternator to spin too slowly or not at all, preventing it from generating enough electricity to keep the battery charged.
Wiring Problems
The charging system is powered by a series of wires that connect the alternator, battery, and other components. If there is a problem with these wires, such as a short circuit or a broken connection, it can prevent the alternator from charging the battery and cause the engine to stall.
These are some of the most common causes of a car that will jump start but won’t stay running. Understanding these causes can help you diagnose the problem and find a solution.
Diagnosing the Problem
Checking the Voltage Across the Battery
To check the voltage across the battery, you will need a multimeter. Start the engine and set the multimeter to measure DC voltage. Connect the leads to the positive and negative terminals of the battery. A fully charged battery should read between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If the voltage is lower than this, it could indicate an issue with the alternator or another component of the charging system.
Examining the 120 Amp Fuse
Locate the 120 amp fuse in the charging system, which should be located between the alternator and the battery. Check to see if the fuse is blown by examining it for any visible signs of damage or breakage. If the fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced.
Other Checks to Perform
In addition to checking the voltage across the battery and examining the 120 amp fuse, there are a few other checks you can perform to diagnose the problem. For example, you can inspect the drive belt to make sure it is tight and not slipping. You can also check the wiring in the charging system for any signs of damage or corrosion. If you’re unsure about what to do, it’s always best to seek the help of a professional.
Solutions for the Problem
Replacing the Alternator
If the alternator is found to be faulty, the best solution is to replace it. This can be done by a professional mechanic or an experienced DIYer with the proper tools and knowledge. Replacing the alternator will ensure that the charging system is functioning properly and generating enough electricity to keep the battery charged.
Replacing the Fuse
If the 120 amp fuse is found to be blown, the best solution is to replace it. This is a relatively straightforward process that can be done by an experienced DIYer with the proper tools and knowledge. Replacing the fuse will restore the protection of the charging system and prevent the battery from being drained.
Tightening the Drive Belt
If the drive belt is found to be loose, the best solution is to tighten it. This can be done by a professional mechanic or an experienced DIYer with the proper tools and knowledge. Tightening the drive belt will ensure that the alternator is turning fast enough to generate enough electricity to keep the battery charged.
Fixing Any Wiring Problems
If there are problems with the wiring in the charging system, the best solution is to fix them. This can be done by a professional mechanic or an experienced DIYer with the proper tools and knowledge. Fixing any wiring problems will ensure that the alternator is getting the power it needs to generate electricity and keep the battery charged.
By taking these steps, you can solve the problem of a car that will jump start but won’t stay running. Whether you choose to do the work yourself or seek the help of a professional, it’s important to address the issue promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
When to Seek Professional Help
Benefits of Taking Your Car to a Specialist
If you’re not comfortable diagnosing and repairing the problem yourself, it’s a good idea to seek the help of a professional. A specialist in foreign auto electrical systems will have the tools, knowledge, and experience to diagnose and repair the problem quickly and accurately. Some of the benefits of taking your car to a specialist include:
- Accurate diagnosis: A specialist will be able to diagnose the problem quickly and accurately, saving you time and money.
- Expert repair: A specialist will have the tools and experience to repair the problem effectively, ensuring that your car is running smoothly and reliably.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that a professional has taken care of the problem will give you peace of mind and help you avoid any further issues in the future.
What to Expect From a Professional Diagnosis
When you take your car to a specialist for a professional diagnosis, you can expect the following:
- Inspection of the charging system: The specialist will inspect the alternator, battery, drive belt, wiring, and other components of the charging system to identify the problem.
- Voltage and amp readings: The specialist will take voltage and amp readings to determine if the alternator is functioning properly and generating enough electricity to keep the battery charged.
- Multimeter tests: The specialist may use a multimeter to check the voltage across the battery and other components of the charging system.
- Visual inspection: The specialist will inspect the alternator, battery, drive belt, wiring, and other components for any visible signs of damage or wear.
By taking these steps, a specialist will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action to get your car running smoothly and reliably.
Steps for Diagnosing and Solving the Problem of a Car That Will Jump Start but Won’t Stay Running
| Problem | Diagnosis | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Faulty alternator | Checking voltage across the battery | Replacing the alternator |
| Blown fuse between alternator and battery | Examining the 120 amp fuse | Replacing the fuse |
| Loose drive belt | Checking the tension of the drive belt | Tightening the drive belt |
| Wiring problems | Examining the wiring in the charging system | Fixing any wiring problems |
FAQs
The symptoms of a faulty alternator include the battery dying while driving, the lights dimming, the radio cutting in and out, the windshield wipers moving slowly, and the car shutting off completely.
If your alternator is not charging your battery, you should check the voltage across the battery with a multimeter. If the voltage is lower than 13.5 volts, you may need to replace the alternator.
If the fuse between the alternator and battery is blown, the battery will not be charged and the car will not run for long. To fix this problem, the fuse will need to be replaced.
Yes, a loose drive belt can prevent the alternator from turning fast enough to generate enough electricity to keep the battery charged. To fix this problem, the drive belt will need to be tightened.
The signs of wiring problems in the charging system include corrosion on the wires, broken or frayed wires, and loose connections. To fix this problem, the wiring will need to be repaired or replaced.
You should seek professional help if you are not comfortable diagnosing and repairing the problem yourself, or if the problem persists after you have attempted to fix it. A specialist in foreign auto electrical systems will have the tools, knowledge, and experience to diagnose and repair the problem quickly and accurately.
Conclusion
A car that will jump start but won’t stay running can be a frustrating and confusing problem to deal with. However, by understanding the causes, performing a proper diagnosis, and taking the appropriate steps to fix the problem, you can get your car running smoothly and reliably.
If you’re not comfortable fixing the problem yourself, it’s a good idea to seek the help of a professional who specializes in foreign auto electrical systems. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your car is running at its best and that you can get back on the road with confidence.
