Battery, Alternator, or some other electrical system problem...

[awdjdmtalon]

I may be late chiming in. But Red tops are CRAP!. I went through 5 in 2 yrs. in my Talon. I finally put a Yellow top in, and didn't have any problem.

3 other people I work w/ have had nothing but problems out of Red tops as well.

I say it is the battery.

[joe603]

I may be late chiming in. But Red tops are CRAP!. I went through 5 in 2 yrs. in my Talon. I finally put a Yellow top in, and didn't have any problem.

3 other people I work w/ have had nothing but problems out of Red tops as well.

I say it is the battery.

+1 on the Red Tops...I have a yellow top that I use for my stereo...no problems at all.

Starters and alternators on cars today generally don't go bad until 7+ years....99% sure its not your starter/alternator.

[SteveTheTech]

$42. an hour is highway robbery.

wow that's F*ing cheap.

[BrandAidDesignG35]

Chill man, it's all good I just think it's best to extinguish your other options "FIRST"~

No offense intended Come on Steve, we have to laugh at ourselves buddy

We call our Automatics autotragics.

[SteveTheTech]

I was not trying to snap at you it's a pretty common misconception on forums in general that the dealer is out to bone everyone. I personally have no control what they charge and in some cases it is allo, I can assure you it's not going into my pocket. I was unsure if beaners thread was going to get jacked for some dealer bashing.

I do agree that exhausting all options first but if it cannot be resolved then that is where everyone ends up.

[Jacko3]

Beaner:

I beleive whatever it is, is small and can be easily fixed in less than 30 minutes. Lets keep our fingers crossed. It will all be well.

[Beancooker]

I may be late chiming in. But Red tops are CRAP!. I went through 5 in 2 yrs. in my Talon. I finally put a Yellow top in, and didn't have any problem.

3 other people I work w/ have had nothing but problems out of Red tops as well.

I say it is the battery.

I pray it's just the battery. That would make my week!

I'll let you guys know tonight.

[Jacko3]

Beaner:

Actually, $42 an hour was like the rate 2 years ago. In my area its somewhere between $55 and $70 an hour. The technicians have no clue about the rates charged to the customer. i would dare say that the dealership short changes the technicians big time, on pay

This is how I work the system. I first take my car in for service about three times or more, and at the dealership rates. During that period, I ensure only 1 Technician works on my car, and I also ensure he is very good with his work, and thus, he will automatically remain the only soul to touch my car for the life of the car.

But in that process, i work out a deal with him to do some other work that i will pay him directly. This work will be done at home or at the dealership. Trust me, the charge is like $15 an hour, a huge savings. This is how I get my work done on my car, and it helps the Technician as well. My brakes cost me $50 for labor at the dealership. Establishing that relationship with a technician is critical. And i don't have to tell the service consultant the extra and additional work the technician will do for me so that i don't get charged the very high amount. So, usually, if i come in for one work, usually three other tasks get completed.

I am about to get my PCV replaced, spark plug replaced, radiator fluid replaced, belts replaced, cold air intake replaced, by a certified technician, and all it will cost me with the OEM parts I bought is $80. I don't have the time to do these things myself.

[awdjdmtalon]

Yea really. You don't want to know what the labor rate is where Steve lives. At the VW dealer I work for, it is $90.00 hr. I'd say that Steve is $30.00 or more and hour then me. And he is only 2.5 hr north of me.

[telcoman]

I pray it's just the battery. That would make my week!

I'll let you guys know tonight.

If your battery has vent caps pick up a battery hydrometer to check the specific gravity of each cell. You'll be able to determine if you have a weak or dead cell?Radio Shack has a digital voltmeter for around $20. With the engine running you should measure 14.4 volts across the battery if the alternator is good.

You may want to see the November issue of Consumer Reports on page 50 for the article on automobile batteries.

Good luck

Telcoman

[SteveTheTech]

I agree you Jacko, I really like meeting new customers. I can answer pretty much any question you can throw at me and if I do not know I will find it. It gives people that personal touch if they know the person working on their baby is someone who cares about it just as much (usually more) than them.

I have several customers that only come here and let me work on their cars and I want to keep it that way.Now I am not bragging I really like to get to know people.I will go out of my way, even doing stuff for free just to make sure they are totally satisified. My favorite customers are the really picky ones who will scrutinize every little thing, and I will go out there with them to go over it.

I understand times are getting rough and I want to make sure that everyone knows that when they drop they're car off for service they will get what they asked for and by someone they sort of know.

[joe603]

If your battery has vent caps pick up a battery hydrometer to check the specific gravity of each cell. You'll be able to determine if you have a weak or dead cell

Telcoman

Nope, Optima batteries are sealed "gel cell" units.

[Jacko3]

Steve:

As always, you are the man.

[awdjdmtalon]

Steve. I do the same thing. I have several customers that ask for me. And if I am not here they wait until I get back for me to service their cars.

I have a couple that have a S4, G37S and a Rover LR3. And they bring them to the VW dealer for me to service them.

I try and talk to all my customers. They appriciate the one on one from the tech. I think we can explain it to them better then a service writer can. After all. WE are the one who know the product best!

[BrandAidDesignG35]

Very true indeed I do have a very good relationship with several dealers, mechanics, tuners, and the like, and I think it's very wise to do so, never meant to threadjack, I do appreciate all your knowledge here Steve don't get me wrong

So Beener... how's the car starting these days?

[Beancooker]

If your battery has vent caps pick up a battery hydrometer to check the specific gravity of each cell. You'll be able to determine if you have a weak or dead cell?Radio Shack has a digital voltmeter for around $20. With the engine running you should measure 14.4 volts across the battery if the alternator is good.

You may want to see the November issue of Consumer Reports on page 50 for the article on automobile batteries.

Good luck

Telcoman

Optima's are a sealed battery, and use a gel, not a liquid acid.

It was the battery. Multiple cell failure. The guy at Batteries Plus was in disbelief that it even started the car.

The great news, it falls under the 3 year full replacement guarantee. They gave me a brand new Optima Red Top battery, and didn't charge me a cent. Started up like a champ. Would have gotten a Yellow Top, but right now, I can't shell out an extra $90 if I don't have to.

[SteveTheTech]

Congrats buddy

Glad to hear it was a simple fix. Crap happens. Maybe you'll have better luck with this one. I figured it was something stupid like that.

[BrandAidDesignG35]

Good stuff Beaner...

Glad to hear it all worked out for you... I noticed last night, my lights were dimming slightly when I was pounding the bass... I'm probably going to be due for one soon, however, I have my eyes on some 6speed coupes right now, so I'm limiting what I put into mine...

Glad everything worked out

[Beancooker]

If your lights dim when the bass hits, get a 1 farad capacitor and wire that baby in. It will greatly prolong the life of your battery and alternator.

If you can't find one at a good price, LMK. There is an electronics wholesaler here locally that has 1 farad caps for about $60-80 IIRC.

[G_whizz]

Sweet!

nice to hear that some things work out for the better these days.

[Jacko3]

Beano:

Well done! Good to know the G is back to life. Apparently, those batteries are great if they could survive that long with all those issues.