Car dies right after a jump start
If the car dies within seconds of removing the cables, the alternator probably isn't charging, and that needs a repair shop. If it runs fine but won't restart later, the battery likely can't hold a charge anymore and needs replacing.
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Likely causes
- Battery that no longer holds a charge
- Alternator not charging
- Broken or slipping drive belt
- Loose or corroded cable connection
- Cables removed before the battery got any charge
Try this first
- Note when it dies: right away, or later after you shut it off
- While it runs, check the dash for a battery-shaped warning light
- Keep accessories off so the engine isn't fighting extra load
- Don't keep jumping it over and over in the same spot
When to call us
- It runs while connected but won't restart later, which usually means the battery
- You want the battery replaced where the car is parked
- You need a jump so you can drive straight to a repair shop
Call (469) 619-8700 or request online.
In danger or blocking traffic? Call 911 first.
We come to where your car is
Day or night: your driveway, the parking garage at work or the shoulder of the freeway.
Questions
01How do I know if it's the alternator?
A battery warning light while driving, headlights that dim and brighten, or a car that dies seconds after the jump all point to the alternator. A battery problem usually shows up as a no-start after the car has been sitting.
02Will a new battery fix a bad alternator?
No. A new battery will run the car for a while and then drain like the old one. Alternator work is a mechanical repair we don't do, so a repair shop has to fix it.
Also useful
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