On my way in to work this morning my battery light came on, can't say this has ever happened before. Does that mean I need a new battery or alternator or something of that sort? What are the chances that I go out to my car after work and it won't start? lol
Oh and the spider thing....I've found 5 spiders in my car over the last few days and i'm not really sure where they are coming from. Any suggestions on what I can do to get rid of them? I'm not really wanting to use bug spray bc I don't want my car to stink but I wasn't sure if there were any other things that I could do?
I've almost wrecked like twice bc the spiders scare me that bad. Yesterday I had one drop on me and I kinda panicked....I don't like spiders AT ALL! lol
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08:13 AM
PFF
System Bot
TXGOOD Member
Posts: 5410 From: Austin, Texas Registered: Feb 2006
It usually means the battery is not being charged or the alternator is not putting out enough volts. It may not go dead immediately if the alternator is putting out enough power to run the car, but after a few starts it will probably start getting pretty sluggish. Mike
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08:18 AM
2.5 Member
Posts: 43235 From: Southern MN Registered: May 2007
For the battery light try calling an Autozone parts store or another like it, they can sometimes check your vehicles charging system for free. Some shops do it too. Cuold be battery, could be alternator.
How big are these spiders, babies? I had that happen last summer in anothercar, we just had to kill them as we found them. In a car you can't really set off a bug bomb...
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08:20 AM
2.5 Member
Posts: 43235 From: Southern MN Registered: May 2007
Until you can get the charging system checked I recommend not using lights, fans or radio unless absolutely necessary.
Did your engine temp gauge rise? First, check to ensure you didn't lose a alternator drive belt. Most call it a fan belt. If that belt is missing, you'll cook the engine.
If the belt is still present, (correction, I meant, still on the pulley) start the car and make sure the alternator is still turning. If we're still good, go to your local Advance Auto, NAPA, Auto Zone or parts store, most will do a battery/alternator check at no charge.
It that belt is missing or not turning the alternator, don't drive the car. I suspect you don't turn wrenches on your car. If this is true, use the Maiden in Distress Alert and call for help.
Don't know squat about spiders except that when you squash them they are all juicy.
Ron
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 04-21-2010).]
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08:28 AM
jetman Member
Posts: 7805 From: Sterling Heights Mich Registered: Dec 2002
Ya the light, IF its working correctly, just means the battery is not being charged. Any of the above reasons can cause it, belt, bad alt or battery, shorted wire. Autozone checks for free.
Hate seeing spiders while driving. They crawl across the windshield, and you just look and hope it's crawling one the OUTSIDE... (Please let me see the UNDERSIDE of the abdomen...Please let me see the UNDERSIDE of the abdomen...Please let me see the UNDERSIDE of the abdomen... *whew) Dang things are always some weird albino-ish ones...
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10:06 AM
fastblack Member
Posts: 3696 From: Riceville, IA Registered: Nov 2003
Hate seeing spiders while driving. They crawl across the windshield, and you just look and hope it's crawling one the OUTSIDE... (Please let me see the UNDERSIDE of the abdomen...Please let me see the UNDERSIDE of the abdomen...Please let me see the UNDERSIDE of the abdomen... *whew) Dang things are always some weird albino-ish ones...
at this point in time i usually hit the wipers to ensure they are on the outside. had a wasp in my car last summer, that caused some trouble for a while
Yeah the spiders and I have had a battle going on for a little while now. My boyfriend and I saw where they were coming from last night....our yard!! There are hundreds of little black spiders all over the place! We took a trip to Lowes and got a few things that we'll try to handle um with in the yard. I'm sure thats where they are coming from, I just wish they didn't show themselves while I was driving!!!
I checked the belt and it's on there and nice and tight, and I also checked the cables. Not much corrosion at all and they are tight on the battery too. So I guess I'll be going to advance or auto zone after work, God willing I make it! I'm hoping for the battery bc they are cheaper than an alternator AND a simple fix, not sure how hard the alternator would be to change in my car....
I have two payments left and this is what happens....I guess I can't be to mad. I've had the car for four years and haven't ever had to replace the battery or alternator so it's time for something to go wrong....I just wish I was a little closer to home! lol
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02:33 PM
fierobear Member
Posts: 27106 From: Safe in the Carolinas Registered: Aug 2000
Originally posted by sarabear: God willing I make it! I'm hoping for the battery bc they are cheaper than an alternator AND a simple fix, not sure how hard the alternator would be to change in my car....
What kind of car?
quote
I have two payments left and this is what happens....I guess I can't be to mad. I've had the car for four years and haven't ever had to replace the battery or alternator so it's time for something to go wrong....I just wish I was a little closer to home! lol
4 years without any major maintenance on what I presume is an older car? That would be pretty good. Count your blessings. You're doing just fine.
I've been very lucky thus far I will admit, its just terrbile timing! I have finals tomorrow and can't drive my car
**Update**
Leaving work today my car started just fine, until I noticed that the brake light was on. Called a buddy of mine who's a mechanic and he told me not to drive my car home (about 16 miles) because more than likely it was the alternator. I took a chance and drove home, worst that could've happened....AAA coming to rescue me lol
I made it back to where I live and went straight to advance auto. They tested the battery and said it was low but they could try and charge it and then test the alternator. I waited 45 mins for that, he came back and said the battery was suppose to be at 500 and something and it was registering at 300 something. He was 95% sure it was just a bad battery, so I spend the last $100 I have and buy a battery. They put it in and guess what....it's the alternator!!!!! So the alternator drained my old battery, I had to buy a new one and thats not even the biggest problem. Granted, I would've had to buy a new one anyway, but it would've been a lot nicer to have it all fixed with that....but my luck just isn't that good lol
So now i'm home and my boyfriend is currently underneath my car trying to get the old alternator off so that we can go get a new one. They aren't cheap, thats for sure! $150 plus the new battery, so $250 that could've been spent elsewhere.
I can only hope that my boyfriend can fix it, so far he's done nothing but cut his hands up, cuss at the car, and throw tools. He's running out a daylight and it's not even somewhat driveable. He doesn't have much experience working with cars...an oil change is about as far as it normally goes with him...I'm a little scared lol
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07:19 PM
fierobear Member
Posts: 27106 From: Safe in the Carolinas Registered: Aug 2000
Car is FIXED! All the dummy lights have gone off and it started right up....well minus a little sputtering at first. Let it run for about 20 minutes and then tried starting it again and all was good.
I love my boyfriend dearly, but I was honestly a bit concerned with the throwing of tools and choice words lol
Now, just to tackle the spider issue......
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11:18 PM
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
should have tested the alt first, that would have saved you $$ and they can be tested by most parts stores for free on the vehicle but the parts store just has less than smart people, (or do they.... )
also, find a new boyfriend
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12:03 AM
blackrams Member
Posts: 33108 From: Covington, TN, USA Registered: Feb 2003
should have tested the alt first, that would have saved you $$ and they can be tested by most parts stores for free on the vehicle but the parts store just has less than smart people, (or do they.... )
also, find a new boyfriend
Actually, they should have tested both at the same time. They have the equipment to do that. I suspect the sales associate either was new or was trying to up his weekly sales on batteries. That is one of their goals. Personally, I'd go back to the store and tell them I wanted my old battery back. Then again, you did say your battery was original, 4 years old if I remember correctly so it was most likely nearing the end of it's useful life.
Ron
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08:18 AM
2.5 Member
Posts: 43235 From: Southern MN Registered: May 2007
Actually, they should have tested both at the same time. They have the equipment to do that. I suspect the sales associate either was new or was trying to up his weekly sales on batteries. That is one of their goals. Personally, I'd go back to the store and tell them I wanted my old battery back. Then again, you did say your battery was original, 4 years old if I remember correctly so it was most likely nearing the end of it's useful life.
Ron
thats why i said ( or do they....) but in general, there not smart. i was just giving the guy the benefit of the doubt
thats why i said ( or do they....) but in general, there not smart. i was just giving the guy the benefit of the doubt
As far as intelligence or automotive knowledge goes, what do you expect for slightly more than minimum wage. Now, having said that, I work part time at an AAP on weekends to make a few extra bucks.
Frequently, I have folks that come in and want me to fix things I am very capable of repairing but, I almost always decline. AAP doesn't pay me enough to mechanic for them and, part timers are not on any commission or sales bonus. That is not true of the Commercial Mgr, Ass't Mgr or General Managers.
Well they tested my battery at first and it was low. They said they couldnt test the alternator if the battery was low because it'd give a false reading. So I waited 30+mins so they could charge the battery. Once the time was up, the battery still didn't have the charge that it should have had.
So I suppose I needed a new battery anyway bc the alternator had drained it (and it was at least 4 years old, and thats if the place I bought my car replaced it before they sold it, which...is doubtful lol)
Once the alt was out and the auto parts store checked it they confirmed that it was bad.
I dont know a whole lot about cars but I'm not a complete idiot, so I try to consult with ppl who know a little more of whats going on before I make my decision. (my mechanic friend, my step dad, etc) I will admit that the people at the auto parts store here in town sometimes aren't the smartest people I've ever met, some of them are great, but I have encountered a few ppl that were missing some marbles lol However, there aren't many places you can go and avoid ignorance as a whole, just kind of a part of life lol I've learned that if you arent at least somewhat informed, sometimes you will get taken advantage of. (i.e. bc I'm female)
Ohh well, another hurdle is over, car drove fine into work this morning...amen! My boyfriend says he's super sore, I'm feeling pretty good though, holding a flashlight can be a little tough so I'm surprised
[This message has been edited by sarabear (edited 04-22-2010).]
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08:48 AM
blackrams Member
Posts: 33108 From: Covington, TN, USA Registered: Feb 2003
Originally posted by sarabear: sometimes you will get taken advantage of. (i.e. bc I'm female)
Ohh well, another hurdle is over, car drove fine into work this morning...amen! My boyfriend says he's super sore, I'm feeling pretty good though, holding a flashlight can be a little tough so I'm surprised
Being female has quite a few advantages based on my observations. I've never gotten out of a speeding ticket because of my big blue eyes. Few passing cars will stop to help me if I'm on the side of the road. Automotive knowledge or lack there of is not a female trait. I can assure you. But, that's neither here nor there. My concern is for your boyfriend. Is he sore due to his automotive experience in changing out the alternator or from the owner showing her appreciation for his efforts. Never mind, it's more fun not knowing.
Ron
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 04-22-2010).]
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08:55 AM
cliffw Member
Posts: 37834 From: Bandera, Texas, USA Registered: Jun 2003
Yeah if your alternator is bad enough to need replacing, its a good idea to replace the battery too, or the next prob could be bad battery and your car running off the new alternator more than it should thus harming the alt.
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10:50 AM
Formula Owner Member
Posts: 1053 From: Madison, AL Registered: May 2001
As for the spiders, I have heard that pipe tobacco contains something that repels spiders. I have quite a few spiders in my basement, and I keep some pipe tobacco in the area where I keep my motorcycle gear, and so far (a couple of years) I've not gotten any surprises when suiting up. I'm not sure how you could put some in a vehicle without making a mess. Maybe put some in a paper towel and somehow tie it off. If you put it it something, you'll need to allow the odor to get out.
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12:17 PM
ryan.hess Member
Posts: 20784 From: Orlando, FL Registered: Dec 2002
I started buying Autozone $29 batteries for anything. They lasted just as long as $150 Mercedes ones. They have went up though, theyre up to $49. I learned a long time ago that paying for high dollar batteries just makes you feel good. I dont like wasting money. If you need an expensive OEM battery for a collector car, they do make covers that look like OEM that just go over a cheapo one.
[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 04-22-2010).]
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03:38 PM
MidEngineManiac Member
Posts: 29566 From: Some unacceptable view Registered: Feb 2007
Last Friday I was quoted $84.00 for an MT-75 battery for my little Fiero from Interstate batteries, they know me, we also have a company commercial account with them. I did not think the price was out of line at all.
Ok Sara, spend the $10 bucks and get a new ground strap, that'll be your little *insurance* policy.
------------------ jetman Silver 86 SE 2M6 4-speed, with "check wallet light" Now fortified with 8 essential slices of bacon goodness
