help plz...

[pnw240]

so in town tonight and my car starts to get what sounds like a rod knock. i pull off to let it cool down, pop the hood check the oil, coolant, and just look for any kind of noticable fault or something, cant find anything start it up and the knocks gone. about 5 miles down the road it starts up again but only when i have very little pressure on the gas pedal or when the rpms are about 3k... then all of a sudden the power sort of studders then theres a screatch from the engine bay and it dies... i wait about an hour for it to cool down again. then try to start it, all that happens is all the power in the car bogs down... so any guesses?

[180fan]

check your mafs

[pnw240]

k, well and the other thing is, there's no sound from the engine bay at all when i turn the key, like it's not even trying to start

[vancouverbc]

k, well and the other thing is, there's no sound from the engine bay at all when i turn the key, like it's not even trying to start

how is your alternator? are your lights brighter when engine is off?

Alternator test using volt meter:1.turn headlights on for 15-20 seconds to remove surface charge2.measure voltage across battery when engine off3.turn off all electrical loads ie wiper ,etc4.start engine and increase speed to 1500 rpm5.measure voltage across battery with engine steady at 1500 rpmthe voltage reading should be at least .5 volt higher with engine running. if voltage goes up more than 2.5 volts, alternator overcharging.

You can also test with engine running with lights on at 2000 rpm. the voltage should increase at least .5 volts

[pnw240]

well i cant even get the engine to start

[vancouverbc]

I assume starter is not clicking or turning over.check your fuses, fan belts, and battery cables. sounds like your battery is dead. try jump starting your car.
Modified by vancouverbc at 2:03 PM 4/6/2007

[pnw240]

k ill give that a try. i probably wont reply for a little bit cuz it's about 8 miles down the road