FX Dies While Driving!

B

BGS4MVP

Member
Location
United States
Hi All,

If this is in the wrong spot, my apologies...


I have a 2005 FX35, 85,xxx miles - at least 40k+ on the current battery.


My wife has informed me it has been slow to turn over the last two days, but still cranked.
I borrowed it yesterday, as confirmed, slow to start, but did start. As I started to drive, there were no warning lights on the dash, but all of the sudden, the dash lights flicker and the car started to die while going about 30 mph.


I was able to limp it the side of the road before it died completely. I was able to jump it and got it going again with all electronics off - again with no warning lights on the dash. I got about two blocks the car died again. I wasn't even able to jump it at that point. It's still on the side of the road where I left it last night...


The cabin lights and headlights turn on and off fine, but I needed to connect the jumper cables just get the passenger window back up.


So, the battery is old, and I will replace that, that much is clear. However, I find it highly unusual that the battery would be the only culprit to actually having the car die on me while cruising at more than 30mph. Isn't that a little abnormal for just a dead battery? I think the Alternator may be dead as well. Do you have any other ideas as to what else may be wrong? Again, no warning lights and it's throwing no codes.


I'm going to get a new battery today, hope it starts and bring it right to AutoZone to have the Alternator tested. Any other ideas/things I should be concerned with?


Thanks!
 
Try the battery first and see if that helps. What area do you live in? The transition of seasons can affect the battery too, as it gets colder. I remember last year around this time I noticed the car taking longer to start, when the temperature dropped. Then eventually it wouldn't and I would have to get it jumped. Hours later after work, it would be dead again. It never came to a point where it would die while driving. After putting a new battery in, it has started up fine ever since.
 
Sounds like the alt is done too. Battery is used primarily to start the car, since its not starting, but can be jumped, its not either holding a charge or being recharged while driving. Since it died while you were driving...leads me back to alt.

Get a new battery, but have the alt checked out asap.
 
Definately is more than your battery, you can drive your car with a completely dead battery, like toy said, your battery is mainly used for start-up after that your car runs on the alternators current.
Be safe while doing this but best way is to start your car remove neg and pos from battery and if your car dies its the alternator.
 
Thanks all for the replies!
Got a new battery put in and she fired right up.
Got her home and hooked up a voltage meter - between 11 and 12 volts from the Alternator. That's not good, is it? Shouldn't it be more like 14?

So, two questions:
1) How long, if at all, can I go on this new battery with a bad alternator?
2) How difficult would this be to do myself? Did a search but don't see any DYI's on it. The local AutoZone has a new alternator in stock for $155 and I have some pretty basic car knowledge. (PS pump replacement, Pad/Rotor replacement, etc...)

Thanks again for your help!
 
With car off, voltage sholud be around high 11-12

With car on, voltage should be more around 14 volts. If your only getting 11-12 with the car running...your alt is done.
 
Car off new battery voltage should be like 12.6-13. Battery running 14.25. Never ever should be below 12...ever.
 
Dr.2K said:
Is there any SES/CEL lights on? May want to have the dealer/mechanic check the cam sensor too.
Click to expand...
Nope - No SES or CEL indicators, so I'm confident all sensors are fine. Especially since the alternator is clearly done.
New alternator going in today - local shop said they could do it for me for $340 and have it done by end of day, so I'm content.
Keeping my fingers crossed that's all the FX needs for a while...
Thanks for your help!
 
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