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NickyRucks · 06-19-2014, 03:33 PM

Just put a brand new alternator and battery in my CA18det '93 Hatch because the battery was old and the alternator was reading at only 11.3-ish V at idle and up to 1500ish RPM. The car will crank and drive for about 4/5 minutes but it starts loosing power (dash dims, headlights, etc.) and starts to sputter and dies after about a 30 second struggle. The car will then need a jump to start back up and will run OK to my destination (5-ish miles).

After the jump and drive to wherever, the car will start back up but when I let it idle there it will start to die soon after and any additional electrical strain will finish it off (turning the headlights on for example). Then, the car won't be able to start without a jump (first attempt: clicking, next attempt: nothing).

Also, I took it to a reputable shop and they said it was most likely the lack of grounds. I added a ground from Battery to chassis and another from Block to chassis (4 gauge).

Really don't know what it could be at this point, took a good look around at wiring and stuff but nothing catches my attention. I've had the car for maybe 3 months total and it drove with no problems really until a month and a half later but this has only been going on for a few weeks.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

Nick

PS (Car has push button ignition where cigarette lighter was...., as well as an after market crap radio head unit)

06-19-2014, 03:33 PM	#1
NickyRucks Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Orlando Posts: 2 Trader Rating: (0)	CA18DET Problem - Help! Just put a brand new alternator and battery in my CA18det '93 Hatch because the battery was old and the alternator was reading at only 11.3-ish V at idle and up to 1500ish RPM. The car will crank and drive for about 4/5 minutes but it starts loosing power (dash dims, headlights, etc.) and starts to sputter and dies after about a 30 second struggle. The car will then need a jump to start back up and will run OK to my destination (5-ish miles). After the jump and drive to wherever, the car will start back up but when I let it idle there it will start to die soon after and any additional electrical strain will finish it off (turning the headlights on for example). Then, the car won't be able to start without a jump (first attempt: clicking, next attempt: nothing). Also, I took it to a reputable shop and they said it was most likely the lack of grounds. I added a ground from Battery to chassis and another from Block to chassis (4 gauge). Really don't know what it could be at this point, took a good look around at wiring and stuff but nothing catches my attention. I've had the car for maybe 3 months total and it drove with no problems really until a month and a half later but this has only been going on for a few weeks. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you! Nick PS (Car has push button ignition where cigarette lighter was...., as well as an after market crap radio head unit)