Q: I have to jump my car repeatedly.everytime I try to start my car no matter how long it was running for.altenator belt still spins.

asked by on April 08, 2016

Do I need to replace battery or alternator?the car will not start without a jump and it won't stay on for long
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

If your car will not stay running after jump starting then the charging system is not working and may need an alternator and may even also need a new battery. If you need help with this, I recommend having a technician from YourMechanic come to your location to inspect the battery, cables, and alternator. They will be able to diagnose your car’s starting issue and make the repairs needed to get your vehicle back on the road promptly.

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

Stalling issue due to engine flooding
If there was no problem and you put the cleaner in, then yes. It can create problems, because if you have a bunch of crud in your gas tank, the cleaner will soak up that crud and run it through....
Is it worth fixing
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2000 Cadillac Escalade. If you overheated the engine until it died, then you may have damaged the engine internally on cylinder number 4. Your water pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/water-pump-replacement) is most likely the part...
my yamaha xt125x has no spark
Hello. If your motorcycle engine is not starting and has no spark then there is likely some sort of issue with the ignition system. If you have already replaced the CDI, coil, and voltage regulator, then the next thing I...
Check engine light and grinding noise when turning left
Hello. You appear to have a number of issues going on here. The grinding is more than likely from the brakes so the vehicle needs to be put in the air and the brakes inspected. As for the steering problem,...
Intake Camshaft Position Timing
Hello. This is one of the most important aspects of your engine. If the cam timing is off enough it can keep the engine from running and even cause catastrophic engine damage. If the timing is just slightly off, then...
Car idles rough wants to almost do and kinda jumps when at stop lights and lights flicker but stops when given gas
There are a few components that could be causing your problem. You may want to start by doing some voltage testing on the battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-replacement) and the alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement). If you know your alternator and battery are good, look at...
About 2 gallons of water spilled in the cargo space (trunk) and now the speakers do not work and the DOS system is malfunctioning
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. You may have either got the speakers in the back wet with the water or some wires were exposed under the carpet in the trunk space and caused a short to the speakers. Check...
Ignition lock cylinder
The only other way to get the ignition lock cylinder out you would have to drill it out. Then the lock insides can be removed so you can replace the lock cylinder. Make sure to not use over a 1/2...
Engine start and open its oil cap its get dancing on that means air pressure come is it OK or some problem
Hi there. Anytime you start the motor, the oil cap needs to be kept on tight. The cap is responsible not only for keeping oil from spilling and escaping, but most importantly, maintaining a consistent vacuum pressure inside the motor....

Related articles

The Do's and Don'ts of Jumpstarting a Car
Knowing how to jumpstart a car is a skill all drivers should have. Always ground the circuit and connect the jumper cables to the proper terminals.
2012 Toyota Prius vs. 2012 Chevrolet Volt: Which One Should I Buy?
While these two vehicles are both certainly cost-effective to drive, they can be difficult to compare due to the Prius’ entry in the mid-size category and the Volt living squarely in the compact car category. Both of these vehicles are...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're in a Wheelchair
Being Being in a wheelchair means you have a very specific list of demands, and requests for your vehicle. The main focus is of course how you will get in and out of the vehicle. There are some other aspects...