Vehicle troubleshooting help? [Archive]

ariastar

04-06-2007, 07:27 PM

I want to double check something an I assume there are some here handy with cars.

My car red-lined on Tuesday. Turns out the serpentine belt snapped (it needed to be replaced and I forgot all about it). So I had to drive my car 15 miles or so home with it overheating. I did this by driving until it red-lined and then pulling over for an hour or two. Repeated until home. So it took forever. Anyway, I got the belt replaced at my place. But then suddenly the car wouldn't start. Took the battery out (which requires removing the back seat, and needed to e replaced anyway after four years and 170k miles), got it to AutoZone, and got a new battery. At this point I found out my car had a battery in it that was too small. 550 cold amps. Needed 850. So I got the new battery home, already fully charged, it was popped in, and the car started going whirrrr-whirrrr-whirrr, trying to start. With the hood up, I could see (the hinge at the front for this car) the fan trying in surges.

Now I've heard that it's most likely one of two things. Either the starter (even though the car is doing more than clicking - it's making noise and trying), or the alternator. The alternator's easier to replace, but the part costs more. The started requires either removing the intake manifold or taking out the tranny, though the part costs less. I'd rather it be the alternator.

Since I don't have bottomless pockets, I can't afford to have this thing towed to a shop and to let them go crazy until they find out and fix it. That could run into the thousands. Easily. The mechanic I had coming out to work on it is FIRED to making inappropriate advances and comments (him doing so is what finally prompted my other thread). So a friend of mine is going to be driving out from pretty far away to try to help.

Anyway, he says it's one of these two most likely. What do you all say? And which do you think more likely? Ask all the questions you need to ask about it.

ariastar

04-06-2007, 09:51 PM

Anyone? :(

acidburn

04-06-2007, 10:04 PM

What kind of car is this?

One thing to keep in mind is altenators don't fail that easily. More than likely the brushes can be replaced first to see if that fixes the issue, which is much cheaper.

When you say the car "redlined" you mean overheated?

Does it still have coolant in the reservoir?

Is the waterpump ok? In some cars when the serpetine belt snaps, it can take out the waterpump too. Which is why it is important to know what type of car it is.

I'd also recommend checking all the fuses to make sure none are blown.

rabidbadger

04-06-2007, 10:04 PM

I'm sure we would love to help, but we're a bunch of geeks, not gearheads...

Alas, my car has issues too. Have to pay out the sphincter to deal with it, alas. Don't know a spark plug from a butt plug...

(actually I do, but I'm not saying why...)

tokenuser

04-06-2007, 10:16 PM

Don't know a spark plug from a butt plug...Well ... if you don't tighten down the spark plug with the right tool, there is a good chance the plug will explode out the slot.

Pretty much the same I guess.

rabidbadger

04-06-2007, 10:24 PM

Oh. My. God.

Did you just say that out loud?

tokenuser

04-06-2007, 10:39 PM

Oh. My. God.

Did you just say that out loud?Whaddaya mean!!!???

I was listening to Car Talk on NPR the other day, and a guy was talking about the fact his spark plugs were exploding out of his engine. Turns out he had replaced the plugs himself, and didn't tighten them down hard enough. With the explosive pressure that built up behind each plug, they were being explosively pushed from their slots.

As I said, pretty much the same result I guess :p

acidburn

04-06-2007, 11:02 PM

rabidbadger

04-06-2007, 11:14 PM

Whaddaya mean!!!???

Oh, must have been reading something into it that was never there...

Not

Pervert

ariastar

04-06-2007, 11:16 PM

ariastar

04-06-2007, 11:19 PM

Aria, we're you ever able to start the car after replacing the battery?

I know it came fresh from the store, but it's not completely out of the question that the new battery isn't bad. Could have been sitting on the shelf for a while. Might want to check that.

Also check and clean the battery connections to make sure it has a good connection.

Try jump starting to see if you can get it going. If it starts with a jump, then the new battery could be bad.

Before replacing the battery, the car did nothing at all except turn on the lights. After replacing it, it tries starting (see description in the original post), but can't quite get there.

When Pete gets here, he's going to try jumping it first. He's also questioning whether the battery is good or not. If it starts with a jump, then he's suspecting (just off the over-the-phone description) that it's the battery. If it won't stay on if it starts, then the alternator. If it won't turn on, then we'll have to figure it out more. How does this sound?

ariastar

04-06-2007, 11:23 PM

Don't know a spark plug from a butt plug...[/COLOR]

Well ... if you don't tighten down the spark plug with the right tool, there is a good chance the plug will explode out the slot.

Pretty much the same I guess.

ROTFLOL, I don't know whether to laugh or be offended for all the butt-plug lovers out there! Okay, I'm laughing. Sorry, but it's a funny description!

ariastar

04-06-2007, 11:26 PM

(actually I do, but I'm not saying why...)

Let's take out the color black and the small font, shall we?

(actually I do, but I'm not saying why...)

We all do, Hon. :) It's called the Adam & Eve (http://www.adameve.com) website and the section on butt plugs (http://www.adameve.com/sex-toys/butt-plugs-c-820.aspx)!

rabidbadger

04-06-2007, 11:28 PM

Yeah. And I'm not buying his "Car Talk" excuse either. NPR is for fagolas.

rabidbadger

04-06-2007, 11:31 PM

Let's take out the color black and the small font, shall we?

We all do, Hon. :) It's called the Adam & Eve (http://www.adameve.com) website and the section on butt plugs (http://www.adameve.com/sex-toys/butt-plugs-c-820.aspx)!

I really think we need to get back to cars here...

You know, Penis extensions, and all that:

http://www.sportscarcup.com/cars/speeding-ferrari-f430.jpg

magunwarrior

04-06-2007, 11:37 PM

Hit it with a hammer.

rabidbadger

04-07-2007, 12:06 AM

Umm... What?

7890

acidburn

04-07-2007, 12:17 AM

Before replacing the battery, the car did nothing at all except turn on the lights. After replacing it, it tries starting (see description in the original post), but can't quite get there.

When Pete gets here, he's going to try jumping it first. He's also questioning whether the battery is good or not. If it starts with a jump, then he's suspecting (just off the over-the-phone description) that it's the battery. If it won't stay on if it starts, then the alternator. If it won't turn on, then we'll have to figure it out more. How does this sound?

That all sounds about right. Might want to pick up a voltmeter anyway to test the battery if the car does start to make sure it isn't weak.

Hopefully if it is the alternator it can be rebuilt which will be cheaper than replacing. I've paid for a replacement on two cars and it hurt.

You may want to check out www.bimmerforums.com and do some car specific searching.

Good luck, sounds like you are well on your way to getting this solved.

magunwarrior

04-07-2007, 05:03 AM

Umm... What?

7890

The car...works every time, I swear.

rabidbadger

04-07-2007, 05:24 AM

Are you sure you're not confusing a car with the Millennium Falcon?

magunwarrior

04-07-2007, 05:25 AM

Are you sure you're not confusing a car with the Millennium Falcon?

Potato, Potato...I guess that really doesn't work in a textual form.

rabidbadger

04-07-2007, 05:29 AM

Potato, Potato...I guess that really doesn't work in a textual form.

Not unless your Dan Quayle. OOOoopps before your time, i guess.

magunwarrior

04-07-2007, 05:31 AM

Not unless your Dan Quayle. OOOoopps before your time, i guess.

Not really, I know what you're talking about badger ;)

rabidbadger

04-07-2007, 06:00 AM

Well, if you know the millenium falcoln you know Mr quale,

Oddly enough I wish he was president instead of the one we got now,,

ariastar

04-07-2007, 06:21 AM

Well, if you know the millenium falcoln you know Mr quale,

Oddly enough I wish he was president instead of the one we got now,,

I wish we had anyone for president instead of the excuse-of-one we've got now.

ariastar

04-07-2007, 06:23 AM

That all sounds about right. Might want to pick up a voltmeter anyway to test the battery if the car does start to make sure it isn't weak.

Hopefully if it is the alternator it can be rebuilt which will be cheaper than replacing. I've paid for a replacement on two cars and it hurt.

You may want to check out www.bimmerforums.com and do some car specific searching.

Good luck, sounds like you are well on your way to getting this solved.

We tried jumping it off another battery. Looks like it's been narrowed down to a wire burned somewhere. The overheating burning the plastic or something. Need to find the schematics to the wiring. Pete's gonna see if he can steal his brother's something-or-other to test some stuff.

acidburn

04-07-2007, 12:10 PM

We tried jumping it off another battery. Looks like it's been narrowed down to a wire burned somewhere. The overheating burning the plastic or something. Need to find the schematics to the wiring. Pete's gonna see if he can steal his brother's something-or-other to test some stuff.

You should post to bimmerforums with your diagram needs. One of the gearheads over there might be able to scan the schematic from a repair manual.

What year is your car? I had a BWM years ago so my Haynes manual is years old and probably wouldn't be much help. Alternatively, Autozone usually has a pretty good supply of Haynes manuals in stock. They might just have what you need. Haynes manuals aren't the best, Bentley manuals are better but a Haynes would be better than nothing.

Good luck.

tokenuser

04-07-2007, 02:58 PM

The car...works every time, I swear.Is that the car that holds the record for the Cappacino run?

rhett803

04-12-2007, 05:00 PM

Aria did you ever get your car fixed?

For future reference, get a Haynes manual on your car. Just go to Advanced Auto, or whatever auto stores is near you, and find the one for your make/model. They are the car guys personal bible!

850 cold cranking amp battery in a bmw? I think that guy was just trying to make money off of you. While possible, its not very probable. Hell I've seen tractors, farm trucks, and even rescue vehicles that didn't have 850's in them.

Sparkplugs should be torqued down to vehicle specifications to help prevent blowout or dropped plugs.

Definately look into having whatever is broken rebuilt. I can get alternators and starters rebuilt around where I live for $20-$40. Much cheaper than new.

Let us know if you got it fixed yet. I do feel your car pains. I just had to have my truck's flywheel replaced. I actually broke mine in two!

ericjosepi

04-12-2007, 05:41 PM

Is that the car that holds the record for the Cappacino run?

My Purple Plymouth Voyager held the record for fastest slush run with a stuck caliper...

masherscf

04-12-2007, 06:22 PM

My wife cracked the head of a car by driving it while it was over heating. That cost about a grand to fix. I hate to say it but you probably screwed yourself by not getting the car towed at the first sign of trouble.

Do you have AAA? You should get it if you don't.

Taking it to a BMW mechanic is probably going to cost you less at this point than to fix random stuff until the car works again.

rhett803

04-12-2007, 06:35 PM

My wife cracked the head of a car by driving it while it was over heating. That cost about a grand to fix. I hate to say it but you probably screwed yourself by not getting the car towed at the first sign of trouble.

Your wife drove it while it was over heating. She drove it up to the point where it was going to overheat. Big difference. I highly doubt she cracked a head in her bmw. She would know it if she had.

tokenuser

04-12-2007, 07:02 PM

If we are on "car horror stories", I had a 77 Chrysler (Mitsubishi Galant) Sigma as my first car. I bought it off my parents when I left high school. It was a great car to get around in. On a trip back from visiting a girlfriend who was going to Uni in Sydney (80k from from where I lived) I was coming down the freeway at about 120km/h. Then I started to hear a grinding noise, and I started to overheat. Concerned, I pulled into the only service station on the freeway to check the car.

First reaction was a thrown fan belt. Nope.
Second reaction was radiator (for overheating). Nope. Fluids were full.
third reaction was oil. Nope. Oil was clean, and not quite max, but nowhere near min.

But, my car wouldn't start. You could hear it trying, but it wasn't happening.

I had the car towed the last 20k to my regular mechanic and left the car there over night.

Next day he took a look. My engine had seized. A blockage in the oil channel meant that I was driving on no oil. The heat was so bad the pistons expanded and seized in the engine. They pulled the engine apart, and remachined the cylinders and pistons to get them true again. For a car that was at that time about 13 years old, they were amazed at how good the engine looked inside - there were still original tool marks on the part, so the engine had worn extremely well. Anyway, I had the engine rebuilt ... and started looking for a new car.

Sold that car to my sister, and bought a Honda CRX in its place.

acidburn

04-12-2007, 07:16 PM

Do you have AAA? You should get it if you don't.

I agree. AAA Gold is the most invaluable thing any person can have, even if you don't drive. Gold level gets you towed up to 100 miles I think. And you can use it even if it is not your car that is broken down.

masherscf

04-12-2007, 07:17 PM

Your wife drove it while it was over heating. She drove it up to the point where it was going to overheat. Big difference. I highly doubt she cracked a head in her bmw. She would know it if she had.

Oh, I wasn't suggesting that she had. That particular issue has a completely different set of symptoms. I was just thinking that she should have towed the car instead of nursing it home.

rhett803

04-12-2007, 07:30 PM

Oh, I wasn't suggesting that she had. That particular issue has a completely different set of symptoms. I was just thinking that she should have towed the car instead of nursing it home.

Toweing is expensive. Very expensive actually. You are looking at at least $40-$60 for a hook up and then anywhere from $2-$5 a mile. I know, I got a buddy that runs a wrecker business.

Do we really want to talk vehicle woes? I've blown motors, transmissions, destroyed distributors, wripped apart the rear end, had brakes seizures, etc.

And when I say blow a motor, I'm not talking about some sissy "my car cut off cause the motor was seized" type of motor failure. ( no offense token, you were lucky there man!). I'm talking about putting one rod through the side of a cast iron block and another out the bottem of the oil pan. I"m talking driving down the intestate and suddenly hearing an explosion, some mild quick flames, and then having your vision blocked from smoke.

I've been towed enough by now that I'm allowed to just get the rollback or wrecker and go tow my own car. It's actually kinda sad when you think about it......

tokenuser

04-12-2007, 07:50 PM

And when I say blow a motor, I'm not talking about some sissy "my car cut off cause the motor was seized" type of motor failure. ( no offense token, you were lucky there man!). I'm talking about putting one rod through the side of a cast iron block and another out the bottem of the oil pan. I"m talking driving down the intestate and suddenly hearing an explosion, some mild quick flames, and then having your vision blocked from smoke.My engine only seized at the time I tried to restart it ... if I had driven it 5k more it would have been an explosion. Guess thats why when you are having problems you should pull over.

AAA Memebership (or the equivalent offered through many insurance companies or as part of a new car purchase) is an absolute must have. I had been a member of the NRMA (Australian equivalent), and the AAA for about 20 years now. Due to a clerical error, I am listed as a 25year AAA member ... somehow they think i have had membership since 1975. I didn't know they offered road service for Hotwheels cars.

Only really needed to use them for towing of the car when the engine seized (in Oz), and a couple of lockouts (in USA), but I wouldn't drive anywhere without them.

masherscf

04-12-2007, 08:25 PM

Toweing is expensive. Very expensive actually. You are looking at at least $40-$60 for a hook up and then anywhere from $2-$5 a mile. I know, I got a buddy that runs a wrecker business.
...

Towing is cheap when you compare it to rebuilding a motor. This is exactly what you risk by driving a car hot.

Suffice it to say, this is why god made AAA.

rhett803

04-12-2007, 09:47 PM

acidburn

04-12-2007, 09:59 PM

Well if you watch your temp gauge, you can usually get away with driving your car while its beginning to get hot. A nice little trick is to turn the heater on full blast. It helps disipate some of the heat from the engine bay. And while some of you may not believe me, I can testify that it actually works.

I'm going to have to look into this AAA thing. I have mixed feelings about it. In a way I want to be lazy and get it, but in another way I want to save money and just do the things myself.

I can attest that the heater trick will work, but not for every cause of overheating. If it is going to work, the needle will start to drop instantly. If you get no movement on the needle you'll have to shut off the engine to save it.

masherscf

04-12-2007, 09:59 PM

I'm going to have to look into this AAA thing. I have mixed feelings about it. In a way I want to be lazy and get it, but in another way I want to save money and just do the things myself.

It's like $50/ year. If ever need a jump-start on a cold day or have a tire changed it pays for itself.

rhett803

04-13-2007, 01:37 AM

It's like $50/ year. If ever need a jump-start on a cold day or have a tire changed it pays for itself.

Really? Around 50 bucks a year? That's it? **** I might just get that.

Will they only come if you are on the highway? Or will they say....come to your yard? Or some piece of land you own? Cause my truck doesn't have a wench, and a tow truck would come in mighty handy during hunting season.

acidburn

04-13-2007, 01:49 AM

Really? Around 50 bucks a year? That's it? **** I might just get that.

Will they only come if you are on the highway? Or will they say....come to your yard? Or some piece of land you own? Cause my truck doesn't have a wench, and a tow truck would come in mighty handy during hunting season.

They've come to my driveway to change a tire. So they are not restricted to highway only calls. I'm not sure what, if any rules, they have to where they'll go. Basically AAA dispatches the call to someone in their network in the area where you are.

masherscf

04-13-2007, 03:07 AM

They've come to my driveway to change a tire. So they are not restricted to highway only calls. I'm not sure what, if any rules, they have to where they'll go. Basically AAA dispatches the call to someone in their network in the area where you are.

I don't think they come for you if you're at a service station. They also have a limited range for the basic service.

tokenuser

04-13-2007, 04:46 AM

Will they only come if you are on the highway? Or will they say....come to your yard? Or some piece of land you own? Cause my truck doesn't have a wench, and a tow truck would come in mighty handy during hunting season.Yeah, a tow truck with a wench would come in handy ... for jousting :)

HUZZAH!

acidburn

04-13-2007, 11:41 AM

I don't think they come for you if you're at a service station. They also have a limited range for the basic service.

They'll tow the car away from the service station for you, but they won't do any work like jump starting at another service station.

The limit is 15 miles I think on the basic that they will tow. But you can pay the AAA rate for them to tow you beyond that.