Hi late night car emergency

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meee - 08 Mar 2006 10:25 GMT

Hi, I'm having a late night emergency with my car. I'd appreciate anyone
helping out and would be very greatful.
It's a 96 Mitsubishi Magna SE and so far I've had no probs, had the car for
about a year now and am up to date with service. I'm a bit suss on my latest
mechanic though, as I've had to change from my old one due to a move, and
I'm not sure the new one is checking everything. It has about 95,000 km on
the clock. I've had some trouble with the lights being dim, which the
mechanic didn't help any, and a mate suggested I unplug the battery, give it
a clean, and plug it back in. The engine light was staying on a bit too long
when I started the car (normally all warning lights light up the go off) but
not at all while driving. When I reconnected the battery, and started the
car, it started up, then dropped out. When I drove it around the block it
would go fine until I braked or slowed, then the engine cuts out. I need to
get to work tomorrow, and I would really appreciate any advice. I have a
feeling it's something simple but I'm not very good when it comes to newer
models. Thanks in advance, I really appreciate anyone taking the time to
read this and help out.

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ballinjefe22 - 08 Mar 2006 17:58 GMT

i would say check out the alternator...sounds like it might not be strong
enough to keep your car going. :-/ try driving that car a bit with the
lights off, and no stereo, just no electronics on at all, and see if it
works any better that way.

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Bob Shuman - 08 Mar 2006 22:59 GMT

Adding to the previous reply, when you completely disconnect the battery the
computer goes to factory default mode and needs to re-learn the car/engine.
It is not uncommon for it to run rough or die after you put the battery back
in after it was disconnected. This should pass within a few minutes or
hours of driving. But, as the previous poster stated, it sounds like it may
not be getting charged, or possibly not holding that charge. It could be
either the alternator, or battery, or both. Have them load tested at a
competent garage.

Good luck.

Bob

>i would say check out the alternator...sounds like it might not be strong
> enough to keep your car going. :-/ try driving that car a bit with the
> lights off, and no stereo, just no electronics on at all, and see if it
> works any better that way.

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meee - 08 Mar 2006 23:47 GMT

Yep that sounds like it. We just got RACQ out and they've confirmed that,
and told us to just drive it around, and switch everything (wipers, lights
etc) on in succession to help the computer relearn everything. Thanks heaps
for everyone's help, i really appreciate it. Lets just say I'll be leaving
the battery alone from now on! :)

> Adding to the previous reply, when you completely disconnect the battery
> the computer goes to factory default mode and needs to re-learn the
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>> lights off, and no stereo, just no electronics on at all, and see if it
>> works any better that way.

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