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Question

I have 1998 Chevy Malibu that I haven't driven in a couple months. Last time I drove it, it was fine. I recently tried to start it, but when I turned the key the lights on the dash flicker and the gauges jump (the gas gauge jumped all the way around to the other side). The engine does not turn at all and now the electric locks don't work and the interior lights are very dim. I tried to jump the battery, but it didn't seem to have any effect. What does this sound like?

Submitted: 32 days and 11 hours ago.
Category: Car
Value: $13
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Year: 1998
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Malibu
Engine: 6 cylinder

Already Tried:
Jumping the battery.

Posted by Tristan Franklin 32 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer

it really sound like the battery have a dead cell and needs to be replaced, other than that the only other thing could cause that is a module shorting out the class 2 data line (the wire the modules share vehicle information such as door locks, gages, starting, audio, a/c, etc.) and is difficult to isolate which one is the problem, so i would make sure the battery is or isn't the problem first. good luck. and please accept my answer. thanks T-MAN

31 days and 17 hours ago.

Reply

Somebody told me that my alternator might be bad and that I should charge the battery in there for now just to get it to a mechanic to change the alternator. If a charged or new battery allows the car to start and run, how do I know if the alternator is bad? If I have a bad alternator, will it continue to drain even a new battery? Thanks.

 

Tom

Accepted Answer

you really need a volt meter test the alternator (with the engine running with the a/c on your voltage at the battery should be at least 13volts) or take it to the local auto parts store. if you have a bad battery and good alternator the car will not crank. if the battery is good and the alternator bad, it will crank and run but the battery will die withing 1 hour or less of driving. good luck. and please accept my answer. thanks T-MAN

 

 

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Expert: Tristan Franklin
Pos. Feedback: 98.1 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/22/2009

MASTER ASE CERTIFIED

8yrs. exp. engine repair performance brakes electrical air condition

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