The "battery not charging" light on my dash went on; the mechanic told me I need a new alternator. Now the "battery not charging" light has turned itself off again. Does this mean my battery is, in fact, charging? [more inside]
posted by fermion on Sep 26, 2008 - 6 answers

Dead battery--is there a problem with my car? [more inside]
posted by phoenixy on Sep 13, 2008 - 12 answers

2002 Toyota Camry, 64K miles. No previous symptoms. After a long drive, I stopped two minutes, then tried to restart the car. Nothing. Electric systems got a little screwy: windows wouldn't go down, clock and radio stations reset, automatic shifter stuck, as did key (wouldn't come out of ignition). Strange. But then all that stuff started working again (100% ok), but car still wouldn't start. At this point, I'd get a metallic staccato sound, but no turning over. Jump start worked perfectly, car drove home perfectly (note: it was night at this point, and my headlights were on) EXCEPT when I flicked my brights for a sec. Mayhem ensued...car kept running, but laggy/weird, and speedometer went dead and random dashboard lights went on. After a few minutes, all returned to normal. I got home, parked, shut off car, and tried to restart (headlights off, of course). Nothing. Is this alternator? thanks!!!
posted by jimmyjimjim on Sep 4, 2008 - 20 answers

Why won't my car start? [more inside]
posted by torpark on Aug 20, 2008 - 25 answers

Snazzy Blaupunkt stereo installed in car, but I find myself plagued by a whine which I am assuming is originating at the alternator. If anyone could explain in simple terms how I might be able to eliminate this noise without too much fuss I would be really grateful! [more inside]
posted by dance on Jun 8, 2008 - 6 answers

Help with my friend's car trouble... [more inside]
posted by drpynchon on Mar 30, 2008 - 12 answers

My Car wont start, It just clicks when i try and eventually stops doing anything! [more inside]
posted by slowtree on Jan 19, 2008 - 22 answers

My car dies periodically and the shop tinkers with it (starter, alternator, battery, etc.) but my mechanic has opined that part of the problem may be that I don't drive it enough. Does anyone have any experience with trickle chargers? [more inside]
posted by Morrigan on May 7, 2007 - 31 answers

I'm having problems with an 87' Nissan truck (5-speed). Recently when its been sitting for a day or so, me engine doesn't want to turn over at all when I turn the key and all I get is this "click" sound that is identical to how my old car sounded when my alternator went out. The thing is, if I turn the key a few times, it'll start and its fine for the rest of the day when I try to start the car. This "clicking" thing has happened a few times now, and I don't think its the battery (lights and everything work perfectly, and no problems with engine turning over when no click sound). Any ideas what might be wrong (gut instant says alternator is going, but just seeing if any other ideas).
posted by jmd82 on Feb 2, 2004 - 21 answers

How long can you drive a car with a broken alternator with a freshly charged battery? [more inside] [more inside]
posted by rdr on Jan 3, 2004 - 11 answers