1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
You have a charging system problem. Here are the parts of that system: First, you have an alternator to produce current, then you have a battery to store current capacity. Then there are cables which connect the battery and alternator to the car. That's it.
Your problem could be as simple as a bad battery, a broken or corroded battery cable or a disconnected ground connection. At your mileage, if you have never replaced the alternator, that could also be causing your problem.
The battery's job is to store current capacity to start the engine when it's not running. Once the engine is running, the battery's job is basically over, except for occasionally adding some capacity at idle. The alternator supplies a steady source of current when the engine is running. The only time the alternator need help from the battery is when you are idling with the lights on, the blower motor going and the radio booming (somewhat of an exaggeration, but you get the idea). That said, an internal short in the battery will bring everything to a halt.
We know that your problem is effected by heat. This is because it starts and runs fine cold. Heat is the mortal enemy of batteries, so I would start looking there. In fact, I'd put my money on the battery in this scenario if it's more than 2 years old. If your battery has the removeable caps, take them off and check the water level. It should be right below the caps. If not, add distilled water. Also check the terminals connected to the battery for corrosion. And I mean the inside of the terminals where they come in contact with the battery. And clean the battery posts. Then trace the cables coming off the battery and look at the connection where the cables connect to the car.
Then worry about the alternator. Check the voltage output with a voltmeter when you first start the car. Then drive it around your neighborhood until it starts to become problematic and check the voltage output at the alternator and see how many volts it's putting out.
If you are not comfortable with doing this yourself, then take it to any decent service center. They can check the charging system is about 45 seconds. Just make sure they check it when you start to have problems. I have heard that Sears will do this for free. But I am not sure I would let them actually fix anything, other than replacing the battery.
Lots of luck.
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