This is very strange. You are describing a charging system problem. I don't think there is anything in the car from the firewall back which can draw enough current to cause this problem. Even the fuel pump.

Other things in front of the firewall can do this. For instance a bad starter motor could do it. Look at the size of the wire that the starter motor gets its power from. That's the size wire needed to draw down more current than the alternator can handle.

If your car had to be towed there, then it is likely not going anywhere under its own power until the problem is fixed, or the problem is intermitent.

Assuming that the dealer tested the alternator output with a scope which measures current output in amps as well as volts, I predict that if you have the dealer replace this harness (what harness could possibly cost $185), you will have the same problem an hour after you pick up the car, or the dealer will call and tell you that they discovered that this did not completely cure the problem and an additional repair is required.

Of course, the problem could be intermittent, and when the dealer started it up cold, it started and ran well enough that there was not an obvious problem. In which case, they went looking for possible causes.

Your problem could be caused by a broken or corroded battery cable, cable connection, ground connection (which could be partially disconnected for instance). I think you indicated that the battery is new. Why did you replace the old one. Did you clean or sand out the inside of the terminal connectors when you put in the new battery? As others noted, it could also be worn alternator brushes.

Why don't you have them hold off a couple of hours, and go over there and start the car cold to see what happens. That way you will know if the problem is intermitent, or the car can't be driven until the real problem is fixed.

• drained battery, wiring harness? need quick answer, bg, Wed, 30 May 2001 12:12:46
  • Price may be accurate, but.., Aaron Gilbert, Wed, 30 May 2001 12:31:37
    • Re: Price may be accurate, but.., hmr, Wed, 30 May 2001 23:38:53
  • Re: drained battery, wiring harness? need quick answer, Julz, Wed, 30 May 2001 12:31:07
  • Re: drained battery, wiring harness? need quick answer, RJ, Wed, 30 May 2001 12:25:33
    • Re: drained battery, wiring harness? need quick answer, bg, Wed, 30 May 2001 12:39:16
      • Your being hoodwinked!, RJ, Wed, 30 May 2001 13:25:39
        • Re: Your being hoodwinked!, Robert Kaplan, Wed, 30 May 2001 13:29:55
      • Re: drained battery, wiring harness? need quick answer, Robert Kaplan, Wed, 30 May 2001 13:20:23 <-- Viewing This Message
      • Re: drained battery, wiring harness? need quick answer, Chieko, Wed, 30 May 2001 13:19:23
      • Doesn't hold water with me.., Aaron Gilbert, Wed, 30 May 2001 12:48:12

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