Q: My car keeps shutting off
My car keeps shutting off and my lights, radio wont come on plus lights get dim and when i get a boost it cranks up but once we take the booster cables off it shuts back off so what can be the problem with it
My car has 236000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Recommended Services
| Alternator Replacement | $166.62 - $1297.14 | Get a Quote |
| Battery will not hold a charge Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Hi there. From the description you have given, the charging system needs to be inspected. First, the battery needs to be charged and load-tested. Assuming the battery tests good. The battery terminals are clean and tight. From what you described, it sounds like the alternator is most likely not working. There are circuit tests that should be performed before the alternator is replaced. It could be a wiring issue as well. I recommend having your vehicle’s battery problem diagnosed by a certified technician, so that the correct repairs can be made.
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
What others are asking
How do I resume the cruise control speed?
When you depress the brake pedal, or the clutch pedal (if you have a manual transmission), the cruise control will stop working, granting you full power of the vehicle. To resume the cruise control speed that you had previously been...
Car shaking with power loss
It sounds like your vehicle is experiencing noticeable drivability problems. As drivability problems can often be some of the most complex to diagnose, due to the fact that a single problem in one or more of the engine's systems can...
Steering vibrations at speeds over 120 kmph in Fiat Punto Evo
Sure. Either the wheel is out of balance or the tires are just bad tires and they can't be balanced correctly or you've got a front alignment problem. If it's quite new, take it to the dealer to deal with...
No crank issue
Hello. Most of the time when you get a cam code on this engine it is because of a crank sensor issue (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-crankshaft-position-sensor). I would replace the crank sensor first. If the problem persists then the timing chain (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-timing-chain) will...
TPMS light comes on frequently, but false alarms
The TPMS light may be illuminating due to a faulted sensor giving a false reading, and unfortunately, these are difficult to track down without replacing all of the sensors at the same time (which can be pricey). The vehicle has...
New power steering pump makes noise - 2002 Mercedes Benz CL600
Hello. From the symptoms you describe, it would appear that you have some sort of power steering fluid leak. If the fluid leaked out in less than a day, then it could even be a large leak. The power steering...
2003 Mercedes-Benz C230 turn signal switch problems
Then turn signal switch internal parts hold it in one direction or the other normally until the steering shaft contacts the lever mechanism and returns it to center. You have a defective turn signal switch and need to replace it....
2013 Chevy Cruze
To pinpoint and resolve the fault, the vehicle will have to be inspected. If you request a check engine light diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) a certified mechanic from YourMechanic (https://www.yourmechanic.com) would use a code scanner to retrieve the diagnostic trouble code(s) from...
04 explorer when i push gas pedal makes weird thump thump sound when i go 40 or above mph
Thumps and clunks can be hard to diagnose from a desk. Particularly in a car with that many miles where anything could be wrong. It may be that you have a motor or transmission mount that is going bad. or...
Related articles
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Like to Go Off-Roading
Your Your best bet for off-roading is a 4x4 SUV. Depending on the model that pleases you most, though, you might have to shop around a bit to find a good used one. That’s simply because off-roaders typically become very...
How to Jumpstart a Car
When When you car battery dies, you car will not start. To get the car moving again, you need to “jump” your car using jumper cables that help conduct electricity from another vehicle, which has a properly functioning battery, to...
How to Fix a Car That Won’t Start
Having a car that doesn't start is frustrating. Try a battery test, fuel pump test, and check the spark plugs to help get your car started again.
Browse other content
Estimates
Maintenance