Automotive/CAR WONT START

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Expert: - 11/25/2006


Question
HI I HAVE A 1990 GRAND PRIX. MY CAR WILL START AND RUN FINE WHEN I JUMP IT OFF, BUT WHEN I TAKE THE CABLES OFF IT DIES RIGHT THEN? I HAD THE ALTERNATOR CHECKED AT AUTO ZONE THEY SAID IT WAS GOOD.AND I BOUGHT THE BATTERY NEW FROM THERE ABOUGHT 3 WEEKS AGO... ALL THE PLUGS AND WIRES SEEM TO BE IN GREAT SHAPE...CAN THE MACHINE AT AUTO ZONE BE WRONG OR IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE I SHOULD TRY TO DO?LIKE I SAID WHEN THE CABLES ARE ON IT IT RUNS FINE....

Answer
Johnny,
  Please remember I'm a Parts Specialist, NOT a Tech, Okay??
  It could be either the battery or the alternator. You need to test them OUT of the vehicle. This way it isolates each part from the rest of the system. I would also take them to 2 different (read competing) parts store for testing. A/Z, Advance, O'Reilly are some local companies around here that will do it for free. They may want to check them in the vehicle but take them out and hand carry them in.
  I'm going to guess the alternator is bad and the battery will need to be charged since the alternator has not charged it in the last 3 weeks.  
  Please remember I'm a Parts Specialist, NOT a tech but this is my gut feeling. Good luck..
  Skip
  HARD TO FIND AUTO PARTS

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Skip Bollinger

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Heretofore, I will NOT answer any mechanical question. I am not qualified and can only offer speculations. You are better served by others that are true Techs. With that being said, please only ask about parts and locating obsolete Auto Parts. Thank you. I have the ability to locate quite a few mechanical parts for American made vehicles fron the 1900`s to present. Some are OEM and some are aftermarket. This would include engine, brake and chassis parts. Body parts and trim are VERY difficult to find but you may inquire. If you need assistance in repair, I have illustrated books for major American manufacturers that show some illustrations BEFORE 1974. If needed, I can supply repair manuals for your specific vehicle. PLEASE REMEBER I'M A PARTS SPECIALIST, NOT A TECH!! Thank you.. Skip

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