Q: I have a vehicle where the battery is brand new, I had it tested, whereas the battery is putting out 11.9 volts. But when I go to

asked by on August 31, 2017

My car is not cranking but the battery is good, it might be the alternator, I just need to know if it is a starter or alternator issue. I was driving it for a bit, but when I went to go home the battery light was flashing, then it just stayed on. Now its not going anywhere. Works with a jump, but once I shut it off, I need another jump.

My car has 202000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is hard to start Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

You are likely having issues with your charging system. Considering you have a new battery, your alternator may be to blame. Keep in mind, that the symptoms you are having are more commonly seen with battery failure. For this reason, start by making sure your battery connections are clean, dry, tight, and perfect. Secondly, have the alternator tested at a local parts store. If the alternator tests to be good, then you can measure the voltage available at the starter, and or remove it to have it tested as well. For more help with diagnostics and repairs, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

The car has to be jump-started, the dash shows lights on
There is a service bulletin to replace the two battery cable ends on these vehicles. It seems like the cable ends do not tighten and make good contact. You would have enough power to lock and unlock doors, and you...
Motor mounts. Which mechanic is right?
If a motor mount diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-engine-mount) was performed and the mounts were confirmed to be faulty, the only safe repair strategy would have been to install dealer OEM motor mounts. If you use aftermarket parts in this application in essence...
Hard pull on the steering wheel when turning.
The caster on this vehicle is not adjustable, and with the measurements you've given it appears that something is bent. There are camber bolts to adjust camber, but there is no caster adjustment. A printout with the included angle and...
Do I need to buy an Entire Valve Cover, or Just Replace the Gasket? There is some caked up oil around the Valve Cover.
Typically, valve covers are re-usable as long as the covers are not bent, dented, distorted, cracked, or otherwise leaky. The best practice is to thoroughly clean the cover so that you can carefully inspect it. BEFORE removing the cover, try...
The roof rack runners on my car are lose and making a rattle/whine when I drive fast.
These roof racks are held to the top of the car with a series of bolts and brackets. Over time, these can occasionally work themselves loose and may cause a bit of rattling as you describe. For safety precautions, you...
Bank 1 too lean, cylinder 1 misfire.
Hi there. There are several possible sources that trigger these two codes including a faulty fuel pressure regulator, weak fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, faulty powertrain control module, vacuum leak, faulty injector(s), faulty oxygen sensor(s) and a faulty mass air...
I have a 2010 Hyundai Elantra and the malfunction indicator light is staying on.what do I need to do?
Hello, The malfunction indicator light is also known as the check engine light, which basically means that something is wrong or needs to be serviced. Generally, the check engine light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) comes on when something fairly serious is going on...
after replacing oil pan gasket,low oil level light stays on, but oil level and pressure are normal?
Bob: Thanks for your inquiry. Oil level and oil pressure are measured using separate sensing systems. If the level sensing feature stopped working at the time the pan gasket was replaced, either the level sensor was damaged, not reconnected, or...
My Car Goes Into Limp Mode Around 2 RMPs And Stalls When I Come To A Red Light
Code P0730 relates to an incorrect reading between the input RPM speed sensor and the output speed of the transmission RPM sensor. When this happens, the ECM will produce this code indicating a fault has been detected. Code P0128 relates...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford Edge
In In the ‘80s, families drove station wagons. In the ’90s and ’00s, those got replaced by minivans and SUVs. Today, more and more families are opting for a more fuel efficient compromise that’s also a little sportier and more...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Alternator
Common signs include having to jump start the car frequently, dim lights when operating the vehicle, or the Battery Light coming on.
The #1 Guide to Oil Change Coupon Codes (Updated 12/2020)
The most extensive guide for navigating oil change coupons and discounts.