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From personal experence if its a small 4cyl car that doesnt have loads of power to begin with. A battery with a weak cell that doesnt come upto full voltage will run the alternator harder and use more power from the engine. I cant say this will make it sluggish. But its a noticeable power difference when your alternator is making power to run the car and when its going full out trying to charge a bad battery.
A battery is only used to start your engine. Once started, the battery is being charged by either the alternator or generator for it's next use during startup.
I'd check the fuel filter, spark plugs, spark plug wires (spraying them with WD-40 will eliminate moisture from getting in the wires which could cause weak or no spark at all) or have a tune-up. Also, check inside the distributor cap for any moisture accumulation.
Another possibility could be condensation in the gas. Put one pint of 'Dry Gas' in the tank to allow any moisture to burn off. Let the tank go to almost empty before refilling again with gas.
Note: 'Dry Gas' should be used on every other fill up to eliminate condensation in gas tanks that are not kept full all the time or during seasonal temperature changes.
Suljer Virginia Beach, VA
The only way I have ever seen that happen is when the altanator was not putting out and it will not run long.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoYes. However the alternator may also be bad as it will usually keep the car running once started. The primary duty of the battery is to start the car, and then supply reserve power if needed.
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Why doesnt my car start it has been sitting for 5 years and we changed the battery and still nothing but lights come on so whats wrong with the car if it doesnt make the click sound?
most likely tha starter is bad or the power to the starter is bad
Your battery was bad so you got a jump but you was pressing the gas but the battery was no good when you got a good battery the car wouldn't start what shall you do?
try checking your fuses
What causes the instrument panel in a car to flutter when car will not start?
sound like a weak battery or bad battery cables.. have your battery load tested sears auto zone should do it free if battery is more then 4 years your on borrowed time anyway
Car wont start wont even turn over the lights are on so its not the battery?
If it will not turn over you have an electrical problem. Start by removing the battery cables and cleaning the cables and battery posts. If that does not solve the problem, then put a charger on the battery and let it fully charge. Turn on your headlights and try to start the car. If it still will not turn over and the lights do not dim you probably have a bad starter or starter solenoid. But make sure your battery is good. If you can jump start it with another vehicle the battery is bad. It can also be a defective ignition switch.
If my Battery light and brake light came on and then car died and wouldn't start again what could be wrong?
something is draining the battery. a new battery will last a couple days if just starting the car. even if your alternator is bad.
What causes the car to be sluggish?
Many things can cause a car to be sluggish like dirty air filter, check engine light came on, bad transmission, bad engine, etc.
What does a car do when the knock sensor is bad?
The knock sensor retards the engine timing when there is a knock or ping detected. This will make the car a little sluggish. It is rare that the knock sensor goes bad.
What can make a car battery die when running?
It sounds like the alternator is bad. If the alternator is bad the battery will not hold charge when running
Can a bad battery in your car make it smell like vinegar?
Yes, that is possible.
Symptoms of a bad car battery?
A bad car battery makes engine start for a second and will not go through, a second attempt of turning the key will just make a tick" sound and no more. This kind of problem is due to a defective battery very sure.
Is the car battery bad?
yes
Why is my car battery dying while my car is running?
The Alternator might be bad. Make sure the battery terminals are clean, and the wires are good. If you still have a problem check the fuses.
Would a bad O2 sensor make the car not start at all?
no if the car doesnt start check the battery and the alternator and the starter.
What could make the car stall but start right up with no check engine light on after?
bad battery
How do you now a bad starter?
Your car won't make a sound even With a good battery will just "click"
How do you salvage an old car battery?
Anyplace that sells auto batteries will accept the battery for recycling. If it is bad there is no way to make it good. It is basically junk.
Car goes click click when you try to start but turns over with a boost?
The battery does not have sufficient voltage to start the car when it's cold. Have the battery checked out. If it still goes click click after running the car for a while, have the alternator checked also. A bad battery will not hold a charge and a bad alternator will not recharge the battery, (That is the reason to have the battery checked first). Make sure the connections at the battery are clean and tight.
