Q: Dead battery followed by fluttering rpms

asked by on October 22, 2016

My Silverado had been sitting for not even a day and the battery was dead. I checked all my lights they were off. Once the truck was jump the rpms began to flutter for a few minutes before shutting off on its own. At this point it started without a jump and rpms where still fluttering. During this process the vehicle was not moved. I heard it could possibly be an O2 sensor or an alternator issue. Any suggestions?

My car has 135000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Battery will not hold a charge Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

An issue like this could very well be as simple as a dead battery. A battery that will not hold a charge, will force the alternator to keep the engine running, and some are not able to do so. The battery will need to be checked. The alternator could be the issue, but the battery is more likely to give out sooner, and is easier to check. If the battery tests good, then look to the alternator. The RPM’s are not keeping up because the power supply is limited to the spark plugs. This will cause the engine to stall or work poorly.

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

How do I jump start the battery in a 2012 Honda Accord?
If the battery in your Accord is dead, you’ll need a jump to get running once more (and then you’ll probably want to get the battery replaced, or at least have the charging system checked). To jump your battery, follow...
Engine light comes on and idles roughly.
Single cylinder misfires are usually caused by ignition components which is where I would start with on this car. Verify the ignition cap and rotor are still in one piece and that the wires are not arcing losing spark. Have...
Fuel not getting to motor
The fuel system on your vehicle is pretty simple. It consists of the fuel pump, lines, filter, pressure regulator and injectors. Either the fuel pump did not get installed correctly, or it was not the problem to begin with. A...
Loud bang and shaking starting car
Hello. It sounds like there is a broken engine mount (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-engine-mount) or transmission mount that may be causing the banging noise that you are hearing. It is possible that something was damaged in the suspension system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-components-of-the-suspension-or-steering-systems-are-prone-to-fail) which could also...
brakes/accelerator/steering wheel all locked up while driving
Hi there, thanks for writing in. This sounds like a tricky problem, there could be any number of causes. It could be the engine/powertrain control module was shaken over the bump and was damaged, causing it to stall the car,...
The engine stays at 2000 RPM when shifting
It is difficult to discern whether there is a problem with the engine RPM (revolutions per minute) staying at 2000 RPM as your vehicle was upshifting. If the vehicle speed increased and the transmission upshifted properly, this would lead me...
Radiator empty but there is no leak from the radiator.
Hi there. Check the coolant hoses and heater hoses for any leaks. If there are no leaks, then check the core plugs (freeze plugs) on the engine for any leaks or signs of leaks. If there is no visible leak,...
Clicking sound coming from left front driver side wheel not just turning but going straight increases with speed 2007 dodge grand
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a worn or failing CV joint that. A CV (Constant Velocity) joint is a shaft that connects the transmission to the wheels, essentially transferring the power from the drive train directly to...
Driving down the road oil pressure red light comes on no check engine comes on but car starts to sound like a diesel truck
The oil pressure warning light will come on if oil pressure falls below a safe threshold. It is possible for there to be plenty of oil in the engine but, due to a fault in the oil pump, oil pressure...

Related articles

How Long Should a Car Battery Last?
Eventually your car battery will become worn out and need to be replaced. Most car batteries should last about six years if well taken care of.
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.
How to Get Chevrolet Dealership Certified
Chevrolet car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through the many training programs available.