Nissan 370Z Forum  

Battery, Alternator or Starter issue?

So about 10 months ago in January my car won't start. I jumped the battery and it starts right up. Then like a week later same thing happens again..the car

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z Tech Area > Nissan 370Z Warranty / Scheduled Maintenance / Servicing / Repairs


Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-14-2014, 09:57 AM   #1 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: houston
Posts: 303
Drives: 350z
Rep Power: 13
ShockWave is on a distinguished road
Default Battery, Alternator or Starter issue?

So about 10 months ago in January my car won't start. I jumped the battery and it starts right up. Then like a week later same thing happens again..the car won't start. So I figure I had a dead battery. Took the car to Autozone and they tested the battery and alternator. They said battery and alternator is runner good! But I have to jump the car every other week because it won't start. So I went and got a new battery and everything is fine for 10 months. Then today my car didn't start again. I to jump it and it starts right up. Took it to Autozone again for a test. The guy said that my battery and alternator is good.
I told him about the issues and he said it might be my starter. If its the starter then why did my car starts right up when I jumped the battery? If its the starter then the car wouldn't start at all. Also the car was fine for 10 months with a new battery. What do you guys think?
ShockWave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:04 AM   #2 (permalink)
Premium Member Bitches
 
DEpointfive0's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 14,824
Drives: a lot
Rep Power: 17151
DEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Battery. VatoZone isn't always right...

What does your V meter read when you attempt to start the car?


Also, you bigger issue is that you have a large (relative to most peoples' cars) parasitic loss caused by something... Gotta find what that something is...



(Let's wait for SouthArk to give some real advice and to tell you to RTFM that's in his signature)
__________________
Do YOU want to know what/where I got my username from?
( Click to show/hide )
DEpointfive0 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:16 AM   #3 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: houston
Posts: 303
Drives: 350z
Rep Power: 13
ShockWave is on a distinguished road
Default

So its something draining the battery?
ShockWave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:17 AM   #4 (permalink)
Premium Member Bitches
 
DEpointfive0's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 14,824
Drives: a lot
Rep Power: 17151
DEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ShockWave View Post
So its something draining the battery?
More than likely... Maybe see if they'll warranty out the battery for you
__________________
Do YOU want to know what/where I got my username from?
( Click to show/hide )
DEpointfive0 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:22 AM   #5 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: houston
Posts: 303
Drives: 350z
Rep Power: 13
ShockWave is on a distinguished road
Default

If its a bad alternator the car won't run for 10 months without the battery dying correct?


I don't want to keep putting in new battery and having the same issues. I need to find out why the battery keep dying.
ShockWave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:27 AM   #6 (permalink)
Premium Member Bitches
 
DEpointfive0's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 14,824
Drives: a lot
Rep Power: 17151
DEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ShockWave View Post
If its a bad alternator the car won't run for 10 months without the battery dying correct?


I don't want to keep putting in new battery and having the same issues. I need to find out why the battery keep dying.
I doubt it's the alternator because your car won't run for 10 days without one.

What's your Voltage reading when the car is off and on? That's a good indicator (assuming the gauge is correct)
__________________
Do YOU want to know what/where I got my username from?
( Click to show/hide )
DEpointfive0 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:37 AM   #7 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: houston
Posts: 303
Drives: 350z
Rep Power: 13
ShockWave is on a distinguished road
Default

Sorry its not my Z its my 2007 hyundai azera. So no gauge voltage
ShockWave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:41 AM   #8 (permalink)
Premium Member Bitches
 
DEpointfive0's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 14,824
Drives: a lot
Rep Power: 17151
DEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond reputeDEpointfive0 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ShockWave View Post
Sorry its not my Z its my 2007 hyundai azera. So no gauge voltage
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... Ok.


Welllllllllllllllllll, go buy or borrow a volt meter.
__________________
Do YOU want to know what/where I got my username from?
( Click to show/hide )
DEpointfive0 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:46 AM   #9 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
SouthArk370Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: South Arkansas
Posts: 8,435
Drives: 2014 Challenger
Rep Power: 324197
SouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Keep an eye on your voltmeter. I suspect either a large parasitic load or a bad connection at the battery.
__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma
SouthArk370Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:49 AM   #10 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Tadpole's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Lockhart, TX
Posts: 1,082
Drives: 13 Nissan 370Z A7
Rep Power: 17
Tadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond repute
Default

How old is your battery? If its over four years old replace it. Or get a load test done at advanced auto parts. Bring the battery in so they can charge it fully then they will put it under load. You will then know for sure if its the battery or not. The alternator is not the issue because you dont drive it. I seriously doubt that its not your starter because you dont drive it much so my thoughts tend to go back to the battery. Also check to see what may be drawing power from it. i.e. accessorys such as radar detector, portable devices, amplifiers, etc.
DEpointfive0 likes this.
__________________
Takeda TR3009P Short Ram Intakes, Custom Dual Exhaust, X-Piped with 18" Resonators & TopSpeed Axle Backs. EVO-R Led Third Foglight,
Tadpole is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:51 AM   #11 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: houston
Posts: 303
Drives: 350z
Rep Power: 13
ShockWave is on a distinguished road
Default

battery is 8 months old... got it around January
ShockWave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:53 AM   #12 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: houston
Posts: 303
Drives: 350z
Rep Power: 13
ShockWave is on a distinguished road
Default

I will get a volt meter and test it..it should read 14 or higher correct?
ShockWave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:55 AM   #13 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Tadpole's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Lockhart, TX
Posts: 1,082
Drives: 13 Nissan 370Z A7
Rep Power: 17
Tadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Forgot to mention I use to work at Advanced Auto Parts part time and I heard this story several times while I worked there. More times than not it was the battery. It would hold a charge long enough to start your car several times but after some time with the car sitting the battery would eventually die. I hope this is the case for you.
__________________
Takeda TR3009P Short Ram Intakes, Custom Dual Exhaust, X-Piped with 18" Resonators & TopSpeed Axle Backs. EVO-R Led Third Foglight,
Tadpole is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:56 AM   #14 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Tadpole's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Lockhart, TX
Posts: 1,082
Drives: 13 Nissan 370Z A7
Rep Power: 17
Tadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Get it load tested.
__________________
Takeda TR3009P Short Ram Intakes, Custom Dual Exhaust, X-Piped with 18" Resonators & TopSpeed Axle Backs. EVO-R Led Third Foglight,
Tadpole is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2014, 10:57 AM   #15 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
SouthArk370Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: South Arkansas
Posts: 8,435
Drives: 2014 Challenger
Rep Power: 324197
SouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond repute
Default

You should have around 14-15V when the car is running and around 12-13V when the car is off. Check the manuals or the Web for more accurate figures.
__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma
SouthArk370Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Alternator, starter, battery problems anyone? ddvette9 Engine & Drivetrain 15 02-18-2015 07:52 AM
[FOR SALE] 370z parts alternator,starter,ecu,airbags,manifold,maf: etc Chaddrift Parts for sale (Private Classifieds) 8 03-01-2013 10:29 AM
Alternator fuse Boosted Performance Engine & Drivetrain 4 05-17-2012 12:50 PM
Guys battery issue aalqaedi Engine & Drivetrain 6 06-04-2011 02:29 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:27 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2