Hey guys, I've been suspecting that my opti will need replacing soon, due to moderate hesitation while shifting, but it hasn't been too much of a problem. Then tonight earlier, my check gauges light came on and the voltmeter was down to around 6 or 8 but then shot back up and the check gauges light went off.

Later in the night I start the car back up and the check gauges light comes on a again but this time doesn't turn off. However the windows, radio etc were still working ok. Then the voltage continued to drop and everything got dima dn the radio stoped working. Then finally JUST as I was pulling up my friends driveway the car died and shut off. We tried jumping it and it started but once the jumper cables came off it died again.

I'm not sure what this could be either the opti-spark, alternator, or possibly even the battery, or a loose wire. If anyone can help out in any way that would be great, seeing as how I'm stranded Thanks!

 

My old 93 Grand Am did something similar. I dont remember if there was an SES light but the radio/lights got dim and the radio (Aiwa cd player) shut off. I could easily tell it was coming and then the car died on me. I lost power steering and the car just shut off. In your case I'd check the battery first, then alternator, and then the opti. Make sure all the connections are good too.

 

Yea, it just started raining so I guess I'll have to wait till tomorrow night when I get out of work to take a look. I don't see how anything could of come loose I haven't done anything lately.

How would I go about testing the alternator?

Also just to add my car started sputtering and let out some black smoke as it was dieing(possibly due to lack of air from the intake because the voltage was down to nothing?)

 

I severely doubt that it is your opti that has died....it is most likely your alternator, the check gauges light only came on becuase the battery gauge droped below the allowed values....it is definetely power related. It could be a loose connection because as you desciribed it happened before and came right back, i would check all the connection, clean the battery terminals, test/replace the battery as needed, then look at testing the alternator, they make gauges to test both the battery and the alt. hope this helps

 

Check your altenator & or connection. I think autozone might check to see if alts are working properley....

 

your correct, autozone can test you battery and alt. for free, as long as you come in when there's not alot of customers and they have free hands....

 

Yeah I'm going to try to charge up my battery and get the car home. Then take the battery to be tested and then try to figure out if its the alternator or not.

 

Might want to check your starter too..If it's shorting out, it will drain all of your power, don't ask how i know lol..