Hello All,

My 2k Max w/ 73k will not start without a jump start.
So far I've jump started it and let it idle but it dies while idling 2 minutes later.
I've also tried letting it idle for about 30 min with the jumper cables still attached. It ran as long as the cables were attached but after I disconnect the cables it dies a minute later. I took it to Autozone and had them test my alternator. The worker said the alternator is charging but also discharging.
So I drove for about 25 minutes on the highway, pulled into a parking lot, shut it down, and tried to start it up but was unsucessful. The engine will not turn unless it gets jumped. Is there a way to test the alternator without removing it from the car? Is there any other tests I can do? What could be wrong? Has anyone had this problem?

Thanks for all your advice.

 

that worker at autozone should have been able to tell u which of the 3 problems are the culprit...whether it be the alternator (most likely in this situation) the battery (not as likely) or the starter (not likely at all)
i went to walmart when my battery went and without disconnecting anything they told me it was the batt, and said that there were no problems with alt or starter.

try somewhere else they should give u a more definite answer, but id say its alternator
good luck-

 

I agree definitely sounds like an alternator issue. Had a buddy of mine with a very similar problem and it ended up being the alternator. Hope this help and good luck.

 

Is it normal for an alternator to go at 73,000 miles? Is there any places I shouldn't get a new one from?

Thanks

 

I would not get one from Autozone. An altermnator can go out at any time so there is no magic number as far as mileage. I would recommend getting one from NAPA or Carquest with a lifetime warranty and it will likely be OEM type reman.

 

I checked my battery water levels and noticed they were low.
After adding water the car would idle and not die. But after running for 30 mins. it still wouldn't start the engine. So I took the battery to autozone and had them charge and test it. The results were "BAD BATTERY".