Expert: Robert Summers - 3/18/2008

Question
Hi,
My question is kind of strange. When I was driving my blazer down the road I made a right turn and she shut down on me. Well, my first thought is the ignition module from past experiences with cars. So I changed it and it started after I jumped it. I would shut it off and turn it on again a few times, and it drove fine. Then I noticed the voltage on the battery was down to 12 volts. The battery was shot because it was a while before I fixed the vehicle. Approximately 6 months in really cold weather. Got another interstate battery and then she fired right up! It started all day long. Then the next day dead. Nothing. No lights, no sound, no trying to turn over. Dead. I cleaned the battery cable terminals and checked the wiring. Still nothing. I'm thinking a few things. Battery should be fully charged because it is new, right? Starter/solenoid? Alternator? Ignition switch? Fuel pump? It just seems strange that it would fire right up with the new battery and then the next day nothing. It is a 1992 S-10 blazer 4x4 with a 4.3L vortex 6 cylinder engine.
Please help!!
Denise

Answer
Hi Denise... get it started and put a volt meter on the battery... it should be at around 14 volts when running maybe higher if battery is low... if it is below 14 volts you may need to look at connections and /or alt...if connections are good then i would suspect that alt is not charging and you have an open in the alt itself killing the battery.hope this helps