so, after i washed the car tonight, i drove to publix. OMW, the car stalled 2-4 times. this was not a "normal" stall in my experience, but rather, the engine would just not hold an idle speed. if i stopped at a stop sign, the car would just, de-rev, turn off?

I re-started each time, and after my drive back from publix, it held up ok. my voltage seemed a little low while running the AC. voltage returned to its normal 14v if the AC was off, the car held its 14 volt range. with AC on however, it seemed to only hold just above 12v.

I have a fairly new battery, less than a year old, and its on optima!

any suggestions? possible my alternator is crapping out?

 

Just discovered the stop/start function?


How does the car idle on cold start? When was the fuel filter last changed?

Could be the alternator as stalling like that is one indication. However, I would expect other accompanying symptoms like problems with the lights, etc...

Does the battery hold a consistent charge? I think it's normal that it drops from 14V to around 12V with high loads (i.e. the A/C).

 

Since optima batteries are now made in mexico there have been lots of duds! I wouldn't run another if it were free. Check the battery as you might have a lemon!

 

Plugs, wires, fuel filter all done around 60k or so. Fuel filter, maybe even a lil later. I've been fairly **** about maintenance, bc I used to commute about 70 miles total for work.

I should be going to mini of Orlando soon. I'll ask them to check the alternator, and have auto zone check my Mexican optima

 

Did you go thru a car wash? Pressure washed the engine bay?

 

Lol. No, I hand wash my mini! And, I don't own a pressure washer as of yet.

 

Roll your eyes all you want! I went thru 3 optimas in 3 mos before I said EFF it and switched to xs power. The optimas of yesteryear are gone.

http://www.performanceboats.com/pb-o...ly-tanked.html

And there are more reports just Google it.

 

Thermostat could be failing? Thinks the car is over heating so stalls out so save it from killing it self. Did you pay attention to what the temp gauge was or was not doing?

 

i have simmilar issues with my car , and a few others lol, let me know if you find the cause i am afraid of going with my mini far distances because ofthis issues
For the moment is not a trustable car

 

No, car doesn't overheat. It's been fine ever since.

I checked the battery and alternator at auto zone, and got a clean bill of health for both. Although, that optima seems a lil low to me, only sits at 12.3 or 12.4 volts. Thought they should sit a little higher than that...

 

12.6 is full charge so it is a little
But not too bad... put it would n to charge over night.

 

Did they say how many amps the alt was putting out at 2200rpm?

 

I'm blaming Publix.