Can a dead battery cause my engine to stop working?
I was driving and my car began to stall. Once I pulled over I could no longer press the brake down and the gas pedal would go all the way to floor but I could not move. I could turn the engine over once I tried starting the car again but after several tries to get my car up and running it would not turn over anymore. I could hear the normal clicking sound that indicates you have a dead battery.
I am confused because I was driving when all of this happened and I didn't think you could start a car if you had a dead battery.
My car has 67000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
A dead or internally shorted battery can not only cause a car to stall but it will also overload the alternator as the alternator attempts to both charge the dead battery and supply the car’s electrical needs. The battery can be load tested to understand its condition but if the battery is more than 5 years old there is no need to do that test as the battery would be past its normal service life. If you need a battery, you can request battery installation during which the mechanic will also test the alternator to be sure that a faulty charging system was not the cause of your dead battery. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Yes, if your battery is underperforming it can cause systems within the vehicle to malfunction. A bad battery can also result in air conditioners, stereos and other applications not receiving enough power to function properly.
But if the alternator isn`t functioning properly and the battery dies, your car may eventually lose power and stall or completely shut off. So, can your battery die while the car is running? Absolutely. And oftentimes, this issue is caused by a combination of alternator and battery problems.
The Chevy service battery charging system warning comes up when there`s a problem with your vehicle`s charging system. This is usually caused by one of these issues: The connections between the alternator and battery are corroded. The connections are loose, or one of the wires is broken.
Absolutely yes. I sell alternators all day every day – and a poor battery is often the root cause of alternator failure. If your battery is `Open Circuit` the alternator will either not start charging at all or will erratically bounce from low to high voltage.
Can a Bad Car Battery Cause Computer Problems? A faulty battery can have an impact on all of your automobile`s electronic components, including the car computer. If a malfunctioning battery is unable to provide the necessary electrical energy to a computer, it could result in issues.
Engine Won`t Crank
You turn the ignition key, and nothing happens. Or maybe you hear a clicking sound. The engine not cranking is a signal either your battery is already dead or there is very little power left in it.
The alternator helps to manage the supply of electricity by recharging the battery. When there is a bad alternator, your car will shut off while driving. This primarily happens as it affects the power supply. Alternator issues will make the engine lose power.
The most acceptable symptoms of bad Chevrolet Malibu batteries are if your car is slow to start after turning the key, or if your battery cables and connectors show signs of colossal corrosion. You may also notice a clicking sound when turning the key or if your electronics work but the car won`t start.
Anything that interferes with the spark plugs doing their job can bring your vehicle to a stop. This can result from problems with the plugs, a camshaft sensor, plug wire, caps, rotors, ECU, crankshaft or distributor.
An effective method to determine whether it`s your battery or alternator that`s gone bad is to connect jumper cables from a running vehicle`s battery to yours. After a few moments, try starting your vehicle. Once it`s started, remove the jumper cables — if your engine stalls, your alternator has probably gone bad.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Honda Civic 2008. AC stopped working suddenly and engine check light came ON for a day.Next day AC worked and no engine light.
ANSWER : Hi there. In both cases, when an AC system is not working and a warning light is coming on the dashboard, typically a professional mechanic will complete the same initial inspection, which is to download the stored error codes that triggered the warning light initially. This tends to give them an idea as to what is causing the problems. This could be something as simple as an electrical relay that is faulty or loose or an indication of a computer related "glitch". Either way, the best way to move forward is to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a check engine light inspection.
Read Full Q/A … : Can a dead battery cause my engine to stop working?
Windshield wipers stopped working. They’ll suddenly stop working then suddenly start working again. Has been happening for a week.
ANSWER : The problem you are describing likely stems from an intermittent electrical fault in the wiper circuit. The windshield wiper system uses a small electric motor to move the wiper arms that you see on the windshield. That electric motor is controlled through a switch, relay, fuse, and wiring. One, or more, of those electrical components has failed although it is also possible that the mechanical arms are binding (seized, if the lubricant has dried out) thus causing the electric circuit to the motor to overload. Regardless of the underlying fault, if you request a non functioning wiper diagnostic/repair, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Can a dead battery cause my engine to stop working?
Can a dead battery cause my engine to stop working?
ANSWER : A dead or internally shorted battery can not only cause a car to stall but it will also overload the alternator as the alternator attempts to both charge the dead battery and supply the car’s electrical needs. The battery can be load tested to understand its condition but if the battery is more than 5 years old there is no need to do that test as the battery would be past its normal service life. If you need a battery, you can request battery installation during which the mechanic will also test the alternator to be sure that a faulty charging system was not the cause of your dead battery. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Can a dead battery cause my engine to stop working?
What could cause odometer on 2012 Chevy Equinox LT, 3.0 engine to stop reading miles traveled?Tach and speedometer work normally.
ANSWER : The odometer is an integrated component of the instrument cluster and the instrument cluster will need to be removed and sent out for repair or replacement at an approved repair facility.
Read Full Q/A … : Can a dead battery cause my engine to stop working?
Just replaced head gasket, changed crack sensor new plugs. The check engine light is on, but dim, the only other light that the dash is a normal battery indicator. The fuel pump is not running when switch is turned on, the power windows don’t work, it turns over but not firing. It’s like only one part of the system is working. Also the heater fans work even if the switch is off.
ANSWER : I would first look at the diagnostic trouble codes. Those codes are available because the check engine light is on. If the fuel pump is not running (momentarily) at key on, that fault alone will prevent the car from starting as there will be no fuel pressure. Pump output and pressure can be directly tested and you can also check for electrical power to the pump. To find out why the engine will not run, the recommended diagnostic is a no start diagnostic. If you request that service, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Can a dead battery cause my engine to stop working?
Battery went dead. Replaced battery. Engine and battery lights are on.
ANSWER : Hi There,
As you know, your problem may be related to a faulty alternator resulting from it not properly charging the battery. This may also be related to a faulty voltage regulator. The voltage regulator regulates the rate at which the alternator charges the battery. When this is not working properly, this may allow the alternator to over or under charge the battery, in either case resulting in the battery failing prematurely. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your charging system.
As you know, your problem may be related to a faulty alternator resulting from it not properly charging the battery. This may also be related to a faulty voltage regulator. The voltage regulator regulates the rate at which the alternator charges the battery. When this is not working properly, this may allow the alternator to over or under charge the battery, in either case resulting in the battery failing prematurely. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your charging system.
Read Full Q/A … : Can a dead battery cause my engine to stop working?
The test says camshaft, but I put some water in the battery and now work, but not perfect
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. Your camshaft position sensor is really failing, and needs to be replaced. This sensor can begin to fail for short intervals with heat and vibration, cool off, then work again for a while. Repeat cycle more and more often until total failure as you experience. If you help having this resolved, have a certified professional, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose the stalling issue and replace the camshaft position sensor if necessary.
Read Full Q/A … : Can a dead battery cause my engine to stop working?
Car started to slow down and then the check engine light, battery, and engine oil light came on. What could cause this?
ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible that the battery cable came loose or the wires to the oil pressure sensor has came loose or failed. Check the battery cables and make sure that the terminals are tight and clean. Check the wires to the oil pressure sensor and make sure that they are connected and not broken. If everything looks good, then the oil pressure sensor may have failed. Plus, check the computer for codes and see what is stored. This will lead you to the part that could have failed. I recommend replacing the oil pressure sensor then checking to see if the lights will go out. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you with the warning lights that came on.
Read Full Q/A … : Can a dead battery cause my engine to stop working?
