Finished work tonight, and on the 4 mile drive home, the battery light goes on, then the RPM’s seem to behave a bit strangely, the radio starts to say fuck it I’m out, the airbag light goes on, the ABS light goes on, the headlights dim, and I park the car at the house, and the driver’s side window won’t go up. Pull the keys, put the keys back in to try to get the window down, and now it works.
Car has been running like a top with barely any problems ever. Alternator was checked a few months ago and was fine. Battery is only about 16 months old. Was going to get the timing belt changed in a few weeks when the next service is due. Just got back from driving back and forth to KC and now this? What the hell man?
Hallelujah, and holy shit. Where’s the Tylenol? [Reply]
Late Night After Work Car Problems. As opposed to cold winter mornings when it's absolutely shitty weather (cold, snowing..spitting rain and constant 30-40mph wind). And you really need your car. Cars always seem to know when to pick the absolute worst time to break down. Anyway there's no good time for a car to go belly up. They all suck. [Reply]
Also, if it is your alternator you drained your battery and the replacement alternator won't be able to fully charge the battery back to 100%. You'll need to hook the battery up to a charger for a couple hours to get it back to full capacity.
I think AutoZone does this for free or if you have a steady mechanic I'm sure he'll hook you up if you don't own a charger.
I would start with a thorough evaluation of your blinker fluid (often overlooked maintenance item). If that seems okay, make sure your antifreeze still tastes sweet. A quart or two ought to do it. [Reply]