Topic: need a little help with diagnosing a problem

[gomi]

I've got a wallymart everready that was replaced under warranty. There is no corrosion on the terminals, they are almost new looking. I am wonderng if it could be an alternator problem. It has been warm here lately 35-40 degrees, In all honesty I think the guy at pepboys really did think it was a fuel problem, he looked kind of sad when I got angry at him and sort had a dumb, confused, scared face. I forgot to mentioned that when it happened before the repairs, the CEL came on. He did mention today that there were no codes coming up. I am waiting to hear back from their manager about a refund or something but I doubt it.

[Jeffy]

I've got a wallymart everready that was replaced under warranty. There is no corrosion on the terminals, they are almost new looking. I am wonderng if it could be an alternator problem. It has been warm here lately 35-40 degrees, In all honesty I think the guy at pepboys really did think it was a fuel problem, he looked kind of sad when I got angry at him and sort had a dumb, confused, scared face. I forgot to mentioned that when it happened before the repairs, the CEL came on. He did mention today that there were no codes coming up. I am waiting to hear back from their manager about a refund or something but I doubt it.

What does your volt meter read?  It should read 12v when the engine isn't running and should jump to 14.3-7ish when the engine starts up.  You can usually hear a whining when the alternator is stressed and is trying to charge a dead or really low battery.  If you take the alternator off you can have it tested for free at many auto parts stores.

[oldjeep]

Might also want to check the frame and engine ground straps.  Can't imagine letting the monkeys at pep boys do anything more complex than change oil, might want to bring it to the dealer next time.

[gomi]

Might also want to check the frame and engine ground straps.  Can't imagine letting the monkeys at pep boys do anything more complex than change oil, might want to bring it to the dealer next time.

I was at my folks house at the time and ended up using one of their cars. I think my dad was just trying to be a dad an take it in for me since I've been really busy. He couldn't take it to the dealer without an appointment and was determined to get it done. It was really sweet of him though, I just feel bad because he picked up the tab. I'll try to crawl around and check the fram and engine straps. I assume damage would be pretty obvious no?

[Jeffy]

I was at my folks house at the time and ended up using one of their cars. I think my dad was just trying to be a dad an take it in for me since I've been really busy. He couldn't take it to the dealer without an appointment and was determined to get it done. It was really sweet of him though, I just feel bad because he picked up the tab. I'll try to crawl around and check the fram and engine straps. I assume damage would be pretty obvious no?

If it's corrosion then yes, you'd be able to spot it easily.  Well, easy enough.  Since a new battery fixed it last time I'd guess it's the wiring close to the battery though.

[gomi]

If it's corrosion then yes, you'd be able to spot it easily.  Well, easy enough.  Since a new battery fixed it last time I'd guess it's the wiring close to the battery though.

I hope so, is there anything else that might be causing these symptoms. Alternator, starter etc? I also wonder what I can do about pep boys and a refund. Might have to just file a dispute with the credit card company.

[oldjeep]

I hope so, is there anything else that might be causing these symptoms. Alternator, starter etc? I also wonder what I can do about pep boys and a refund. Might have to just file a dispute with the credit card company.

Depends on the laws in your state and what your dad agreed to.  In mn you need a written estimate and if they exceed it by 10% they have to get permission first or eat the difference.

[Jeffy]

I hope so, is there anything else that might be causing these symptoms. Alternator, starter etc? I also wonder what I can do about pep boys and a refund. Might have to just file a dispute with the credit card company.

Well, a weak or dying starter will also click.  It won't matter if you have a charged battery or not.  You might try cleaning off your starter.  If they throw salt on the roads you could have some corrosion on there.  Just be careful since 12v positive is sent to the starter and if you tap the terminal with something metal you could cause the started to start up.  Cleaning it with a brush and some cleaner/degreaser shouldn't be a problem.

Also, do you know what the battery rating is?  I'd hope they didn't cheap out and put a lower grade battery in there.  I think stock is around 600 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). 

Some tools to think about:

Battery charger - It will help you diagnose electrical issues.
Multi-meter - You can check the voltage or amps on any electrical circuit.

[aw12345]

I am with Jeffy, buy a digital voltmeter. Check voltage while cranking should stay above 9.5 volts at the battery.
If that is hood check it at the starter while cranking. You can also set it on the 1 volt scale and measure across all connections to see what the voltage drop is across each connection. should be no more than 0.2 volts for each connection. Also check output voltage of the alternator should be in the range ot 13-14 volts.
That is a test of your whole electrical system in a nutshell

[garydubf]

Yeah, sounds like they just threw parts at it and it happened to fix itself by that time.  I'd check the battery connection again.  How cold is it there?  Overnight?  The clicking is a sign of not getting enough power.  And according to dexetr30, it seems the TJ's don't like drained batteries and start throwing fits.  You might want to check the battery cables themselves to see if there is any corrosion anyplace.  This is a real problem with some cheap batteries with screw on terminals as they tend to vent at the terminals, it eats at the connector.  I think the TJ uses clamps though.  Still a good idea to check.

Oh and what kind of battery do you have?  Pict? might help too.

Don't forget to test the cable themselves.  Disconnect both ends and do a voltage drop test with a goor Ohm meter.  Sometimes the connectors won't show any signs of corrosion but the actual cable will have enough corrosion under the insulation to cause a lot of resistance.  Resistance equal heat and heat helps break down the wires.  Also check for abnormal swelling of the cables.

[dexetr30]

I hope so, is there anything else that might be causing these symptoms. Alternator, starter etc? I also wonder what I can do about pep boys and a refund. Might have to just file a dispute with the credit card company.

I had the same troubles you are having a few months back. Turned out the starter was bad. I replaced it and the problem is gone. As far as pep boys goes... I wouldn't let them put air in my tires. Sometimes it's better to make an appointment with the dealer and wait a few days or so. If you have a dealership that you trust, it's far better than throwing cash away at pep boys. Seems as though pep boys likes to fix the symptoms rather than the cause.

[misfit]

my wifes cherokee did the samething when I was in the hospital.  Figured it was the battery and had her get a new one 2 days later samething.  After two batteries and alot of cussing found out that it was the altenator.  Even though it was checked at a parts store and I was told it was good.  My dad told me to replace it anyways, not horrible to have an extra altenator.  Put the new one on and havent had a problem yet.  That was two years ago that it happened to me.

[gomi]

my wifes cherokee did the samething when I was in the hospital.  Figured it was the battery and had her get a new one 2 days later samething.  After two batteries and alot of cussing found out that it was the altenator.  Even though it was checked at a parts store and I was told it was good.  My dad told me to replace it anyways, not horrible to have an extra altenator.  Put the new one on and havent had a problem yet.  That was two years ago that it happened to me.

interesting, I just checked it today and it was reading good. Maybe I'll throw a new one in, and hope fpr the best. I have to wait until monday to talk to the manager at pep boys about what they can do since they did not really fix my problem.

[gomi]

Arrrgggg!!! okay, I think I am going to lose it. So I went out to fill my gas tank and now have a new pepboys related problem. Turns out that after filling my tank it reads in between 3/4 and full instead of all the way full. I can't even begin to express my frustration, now I have to bring my jeep back to bo-yah!! I have to go back there and have them look at me like I am an idiot because I'm a woman. I may not be a mechanic, but I can sure as hell learn how to do things for myself. This is part of the reason why my dad took it there in the first place. He still can't seem to understand why I would want to try to take care of it myself, just because he doesn't like to get his hands greasy doesn't mean that I can't. I don't no if I can ever fully explain to you boys how pissed I get when a room full of idiot, no load, dipshit mechanics look at you like you can't possibly challenge them because you can't pee standing up. Sorry for being so pissed, thank you all for trying to help me. I really appreciate it.

[oldjeep]

Oops, when they replaced the fuel pump sounds like they put in one for the "bigger" tank.