Ok well im having an issue with my 2k3 ecotec.. it started out starting but heistating.. and now it sounds like its gonna turn but doesnt till i try it a second time. What ive done to try to solve the problem was replaced my battery and its still having an issue. and my interior lights are dimmer then usual when i get in and when i get it started they brighten up consideraly.. any thoughts?
Sounds like the battery cables or connections. In a far distant... the actual starter.
...They just HATE it when you ...POINT - LAUGH - then DRIVE OFF AND AWAY-!...
[my interior lights are dimmer then usual when i get in]--As All Flawless says, chassis earth or bad connection.
[and when i get it started they brighten up considerably.. any thoughts?]--Alternator is working OK
Just my thoughts
Alont
ok well im going to work on it tuesday ill check those things out. but if it was the altenator wouldnt the battery light come on?
and how would i check it..
so Im going to re-type what exactly happens, so when i first start the car it ticks and as it continues to tick it starts to turn over with the overall electric system is getting brighter.. then cranking gets quicker i can stop and try to start it agian and it will start.. so if its an alt i need where can i get a bigger one then stock because im going to be putting a new system in.. so someone link me..
Reckle5s,
The only way to test the alt is to bench test it or check the amps it puts out (the best options). If you see an autozone near you, let them check it out. A self test to make sure its getting power is to take a multi-meter (on volts), put the red probe on the back of the alt (where the power cable hooks on the alt), and put the black probe on the batterys ground. With out the car running you should see about 12.45 volts or higher (a normal charged battery). Anything lower means the battery is low or something wrong with the cables connecting the two (corrosion, clamps not tight, blah ,blah).
But again...
It doesnt sound like an alternator. The alt wont actually run until the car is running. The sole starting parts are the key>ignition>relays/fuses>battery>cables>starter. The alt only comes in on the charging system. Check what Alont and I said. If not the case, then check what CTS and what you thought.
You never know.....
...They just HATE it when you ...POINT - LAUGH - then DRIVE OFF AND AWAY-!...
That IS the classic sign of a bad connection
Alont
so its the the classic sign of a bad connection so do i check everything for tightness or what... im gonna put it on the lift and tighten things down if thats what i have to do .. tomarrow
Make sure both battery terminals/cable ends are "Shiny" clean and the other end of the Negative cable where it connects to ground at the chassis (and possibly the engine block as well.)This is under the battery tray, I think on a 2003?) I have heard of quit a few instances of bad earth connections developing on the later Cavs
Whilst it's up on the lift check the other end of the Positive cable at the starter connection, make sure this is clean and tight. Usually the positive starter terminal is used as a junction point so there will be more than one cable on there.
I would also buy a small digital multimeter, use this as All Flawless has suggested and you can confirm your alternator is working (Although I am convinced it is!) The multimeter will always be worth more than you spend on it, they are very reasonably priced nowadays.
Before you put in a new system fit a Voltmeter. You will then be able to see the voltages before start (12+), during the cranking (at least 9volts) and when the engine is running(14+) Great Gauge watchin!
Hope this helps
Alont
it does thanks its in the shop now it wouldnt hold at idle so i had to take their before i got my hands dirty...
