If your car keeps dying even though the battery and alternator are good, then you’ve found the right article! Believe it or not, there are a whole bunch of reasons this could be happening to your car, and fortunately, a whole bunch of solutions too!
In this article, not only will you learn them all, but you’ll also learn about other frequently asked questions as well!
So keep reading to find out everything you need to know!
Why Does Your Car Keep Dying Even Though The Battery And Alternator Are Good?
There are a whole bunch of reasons that your car might keep dying even when the battery and alternator are both good! So check for any of the following reasons, and they’ll save you a lot of time when it comes to trying to fix the issue in the future!
Something Is Being Left On
One of the common causes for a car dying unexpectedly is when something in the car has been left on, such as a light or radio. The power these items use will slowly drain your battery until it no longer has enough juice to start the engine. So before leaving your car, make sure to check all the lights and electronics in your vehicle to ensure nothing has been accidentally left on.
A Parasitic Drain
The second reason that your car might be dying even though it’s not the battery and alternator is due to a parasitic drain. This means that something in your car is using power even when the vehicle is off.
Bad Voltage Regulator
The last reason that your car could be dying despite having a good battery and alternator is due to a bad voltage regulator. The voltage regulator helps keep the power supplied to the vehicle’s electrical system in check, so it doesn’t become too high or too low. If the voltage is too low, it can prevent the car from starting.
A Bad Ground Or Connection
It’s also possible that the issue is due to a bad ground or connection somewhere in the vehicle. A Bad ground can prevent electricity from flowing properly throughout the system, making it difficult for your car to start. Check all connections and grounds in your vehicle to make sure everything is connected properly before going any further.
A Loose Battery Terminal
One of the most common causes of a dying vehicle is a loose or corroded battery terminal. This can prevent electricity from flowing properly, so it’s important to check that your battery terminals are connected securely and free of corrosion before looking into any other potential issues.
Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring in your car can also prevent it from starting. If the wiring in your vehicle is damaged or has gone bad, it can cause a multitude of issues, including preventing the car from starting.
A Problem With The Engine
The issue may lie with the engine itself. If there’s a problem with the way your engine is running, it could cause your car to die even though the battery and alternator are fine. This can be difficult to diagnose without a proper inspection of the vehicle.
The Alternator Fuse Has Blown
The alternator is what supplies electricity to your car, and if the fuse has blown, it won’t be able to do its job properly. This will cause your car to run poorly and can even prevent it from starting. Replacing the broken fuse should solve the issue.
A Problem With The Voltage Regulator
The voltage regulator is responsible for regulating the power that is supplied to the car’s electrical system. If it stops working properly, it can prevent your car from starting or cause it to run poorly. This can also be difficult to diagnose without a proper inspection of the vehicle.
You’ve Bought A Faulty Battery
The issue may be due to a faulty battery. Buying a low-quality battery can cause your car to die unexpectedly. Make sure you buy a high-quality battery and check it regularly for any signs of corrosion or other damage.
The Serpentine Belt Is Damaged
The final cause of a car dying unexpectedly is a damaged serpentine belt. This belt is responsible for powering the alternator, water pump, and other auxiliary systems in your vehicle. If this belt is worn or broken, it won’t be able to do its job properly, causing your car to run poorly and die unexpectedly.
How To Deal With A Car Dying Even When The Battery And Alternator Are Good?
Now you know everything that can be causing your car to keep dying, here are all the solutions for fixing the issue and getting your car back to top shape in no time!
Check That Everything Is Being Switched Off
Make sure all your car lights, electronics, and appliances are switched off when you park. It may sound simple, but even leaving the interior lights on can be a huge drain on the battery.
Check For A Parasitic Drain
To check for a parasitic drain is actually quite simple, but there are a few steps you’ll need to take. So if you want to find a parasitic drain, try the following:
- Disconnect the car battery and connect it to an amp meter.
- Start your car, then turn off all accessories, lights, and electronics.
- Read the amp meter: if there is a parasitic drain present, you’ll see the needle move.
- If the needle is moving, begin removing fuses one by one until the needle stops moving. Just make sure that each time you remove a fuse, you place it back in its original location.
- Once you remove a fuse and the voltage on the amp meter drops, you know that’s where the parasitic drain is coming from.
Fix Any Loose Connections
Check all connections in your car. Make sure everything is connected properly and securely to prevent any problems from occurring.
Remove Any Corrosion
If your car has been sitting for a while, there may be corrosion on the battery terminals. Make sure to clean them off before trying to start your car, as this can prevent it from starting.
To clean the corrosion of your car effectively, you should create a paste from baking soda and water and then cover the corroded areas in it. Once the areas have been covered, let them sit for a few minutes before scrubbing them with a corroded wire brush.
Replace The Alternator Fuse In Your Car
If the issue is due to a blown alternator fuse, make sure you replace it. This should solve your car’s dying problem and get you back on the road in no time!
Seek The Help Of A Mechanic
If all else fails, it’s time to seek the help of a mechanic. They should be able to identify and fix any car problems that may be causing your car to die unexpectedly.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions that people often have about their car dying even though the battery and alternator are good.
Can A Blown Fuse Drain A Car?
No, a blown fuse cannot drain a car. However, if the car has a parasitic drain, it can cause the car to die unexpectedly.
Why Is The Battery Light Still On Even Though You Have A New Battery And Alternator?
If your battery light is still on after you have a new battery and alternator installed, then it could be because there is a problem with the wiring, a loose connection, or corrosion somewhere in the circuit.
When it’s not any of the following, it could also be the case, that you’re dealing with a blown fuse.
Recap
If your car keeps dying even though the battery and alternator are good, you’ll want to check for a few things:
- Make sure all car lights and electronics are turned off when parked.
- Check for parasitic drain by disconnecting the car battery from the amp meter.
- Fix any loose connections in the car.
- Remove any corrosion on car battery terminals.
- Replace the alternator fuse in the car.
- Seek the help of a mechanic if none of the above works.
Hopefully, this helps you figure out why your car keeps dying unexpectedly! Good luck!