Possible Causes of a Dead Battery
This weekly feature for Warranty Direct about car repair and maintenance is written by Tom Torbjornsen, the popular host of America’s Car Show on satellite radio. Below are some recent Q&A from the America’s Car Show email bag.
Dear Tom,
I own a 2004 Cadillac Escalade. The battery light comes on for one or two minutes, then it cuts off and the dash says ‘battery not charging.’ What does this mean? Also, sometimes when I don’t lock the car at night, the car will not start the next morning and I have to get the battery jumped. What’s going on?
Wilford from Drexel Hill, PA
Wilford,
Your Escalade has a shorted alternator, a loose serpentine belt, or a parasitic electrical draw in the system with the key off. Start with a charging system analysis to make sure the alternator is charging properly. If it is, check the serpentine belt to see if it is too loose. This belt has an automatic belt tensioner that rides against the back of the belt to maintain proper tension. When the belt stretches too much or the tensioner spring wears out, the belt slips resulting in poor alternator performance. Finally, if all check out good, then have the system checked for an electrical draw with the key off. A draw will kill the battery very quickly, especially if the short is a direct 12-volt draw. Good luck.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a ‘98 Ford Ranger. Today the temperature gauge needle did not move from its spot so I was afraid to drive it, but I did anyway. The truck seemed to run fine. Then after ten minutes on the road the needle moved to its normal position (just in the center between cold and hot). I got to my destination, and when I started it up to return home the same thing happened. It doesn’t seem to matter if the truck is warm or cold. Any help would be appreciated.
Cliff from Stafford, IL
Cliff,
Sounds like either the thermostat is bad (stuck open) or a coolant temp sensor for the temperature gauge is bad. The computer adjusts fuel delivery and ignition timing according to the data it receives from the coolant temp sensor and the thermostat. If the coolant temp sensor sends a signal to the computer that the engine is cold, the computer will adjust for a richer fuel delivery and advance ignition timing because it “sees” a cold engine. If the thermostat is stuck open and not causing a restriction in the system to raise engine coolant temperature to proper operating temps, the computer will “think” that the engine is cold and adjust the fuel delivery and ignition timing for cold start conditions. Better get to the bottom of it or you will burn a hole in your wallet from fuel consumption. Success to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a ‘97 Ford Explorer XLT. The ‘check engine’ light came on, so I hooked it up to a diagnostic computer and got the code PO455 (large leak) EVAP. I replaced the gas cap, but the ‘check engine’ light came back on after only one day. How do I find a vacuum leak? Someone told me that smoke is injected into the system. Please help. Thanks.
Scott from Selkirk, NY
Scott,
The EVAP system is a sealed system to control fuel vapor emissions to the atmosphere. When a leak occurs from a rusted line or faulty component, it throws an EVAP code. To track down a leak in the EVAP system a “Smoke Machine” is hooked to the system. The machine pumps vapor through the system; the tech then inspects the system for escaping vapor, which will occur at the site of the leak. Repair the malady, clear the stored code, and the problem is solved. This one is probably over your head, Scott. Take it to a pro that has the equipment and knowledge to fix it. Good luck.
Tom
Dear Tom,
Do you have any specific typical test parameters for what to expect in normal operation when you run testing on a leak detection pump for a ‘97 Voyager with a DVOM and lab scope in modes 1,2,or 3?
John from San Francisco
Ground Control to John,
Leak detection pump? DVOM? Lab Scope in modes 1,2,3? What are you talking about? I haven’t a clue. This is an example of … “a little information in the hands of the uninformed can be a dangerous thing.” That said, Alldata DIY has all the test parameters you want. However, you have to come up with valid tests before proceeding. Otherwise you will drive yourself crazy (which I think may have already happened) looking for the correct flow chart/diagnostic procedure.
Major Tom to Ground Control… over and out
Dear Tom,
Is there a standardized code for the radio’s antitheft lock system? What is the procedure to un-lock it?
Vikki from Brooksville, IL
Vikki,
Radio lockout codes vary between carmakers and radio manufacturers. There is a unique procedure and code for each radio. This information is not available to the general public. You have to get it from your car dealer or from the radio manufacturer. Expect to pay for it and to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle.
Tom
Dear Tom,
Are parts such as hoods, front fenders, etc. interchangeable? I’ve got a ‘01 GMC Safari Van. Could I use parts from any other year? Thanks.
Cheri from Cheektowaga, NY
Cheri,
Sometimes parts are interchangeable between years and models within the same family of vehicles, for example GM. Most junkyards or car dealers have a list (called a cross-reference chart) of what parts interchange with other years, makes and models. Should you want to do the research yourself you can go to www.car-part.com. They have a search engine for interchangeable parts. Good luck!
Tom
‘Til next time…Keep Rollin’
For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site: www.americascarshow.com
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals, and many other websites. Hear his radio show AMERICA’S CAR SHOW, on the Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel – Stars Too – Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday nights – 10PM – Mid EST. You can hear the live stream of the show at www.americascarshow.com Saturdays at Noon EST. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com.
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Filed under: Americas Car Show, Auto News, Car News, Consumer Affairs, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Safety, Vehicle Maintenance, Vehicle reliability, Vehicle repairs, Warranty Direct
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