Jump-starting helps the engine start by providing power to the starter motor and the ignition system, as the battery would. Usually, this gets the engine to start and run, charging the battery for the next startup.
But what could be behind the issue where the car dies after jump start? The alternator is often the reason behind this issue with the vehicle. The faulty alternator is unable to provide the electrical power needed, stalling the engine. However, drained, loose, or corroded battery terminals can result in the engine stalling. Diagnose each part and provide necessary fixes.
The article discusses more details about the car engine dying after the jump-starting issue and the solutions.
Why Car Dies After Jump Starting and Solutions
When you wake up to your vehicle not starting, jump starting is often among your first choices. Jump-starting involves using an external power source, usually another car’s battery, to jump-start the vehicle.
Once the engine starts, the vehicle runs and charges its battery, which is used for the next startup. However, various issues can develop during this instance, one of which is the engine stopping shortly afterward.
The following are the various reasons the car dies after you have jump-started it and the solutions.
1. Faulty Alternator
An issue with the alternator is usually the main reason behind a car dying after a jump start. The alternator has the responsibility to replenish the battery and power various electrical components when the engine is running.
If the alternator has issues, the battery will fail to recharge and won’t get the power to start the engine next time. The voltage regulator in the alternator may also be responsible for undercharging or overcharging the battery.
A faulty alternator is also unable to provide the vehicle with the electrical power various components need, stalling the engine. For example, lack of electrical power causes fuel injectors not to fire, stalling the engine.
Diagnosis
Test the alternator’s current to the battery if the engine starts. The voltage should read around 14 volts, and less than 12 volts means issues charging. Also, check the alternator for damage or looseness, which affects charging.
Solutions
The solutions include repairing the failing alternator components or replacing the alternator. If the alternator belt is loose, tighten it at the tensioner bolt. However, if the solution is to replace the alternator, charge the battery so as not to damage the new one.
Follow the steps below to replace the alternator.
- Step 1: Turn off the vehicle.
- Step 2: Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Step 3: Remove any component hindering your access to the alternator.
- Step 4: Disconnect the various electrical connectors to the alternator. Loosen the belt and remove it from the alternator.
- Step 5: Unscrew the bolts holding the alternator and remove it. You can take the faulty alternator to a repair shop to get its voltage regulator checked and replaced.
- Step 6: Install the new alternator and screw it back on the bracket.
- Step 7: Reconnect the connectors and other parts you have removed earlier. Install the alternator belt.
- Step 8: Replace the battery cables (remember to charge first).
- Step 9: Test the car.
Follow the video below for this replacement.
Alternator replacement costs around $400 on average.
2. Discharged Battery
One of the reasons the car dies shortly after jumping is due to a discharged battery. In the first place, the car’s battery was initially unable to start the car, due to low battery charge.
Once jump started, the starter and the engine ignition system get the power they need to start the engine. However, if the battery is too discharged, the alternator will not be able to replenish it properly while powering the engine.
When the battery is not charged fully, either due to an issue with the alternator or because it is faulty, the engine will stall when idling. Since the alternator and engine run slow when idling, some components may lack electrical power, causing the engine to stall.
Diagnosis
First, confirm the battery’s age since most get weak after three years and require replacement. A weak battery cannot support various components that draw power from it.
A weak or dead battery also has difficulties supporting various electrical components, like the interior lights, windows, and audio system. Measure the batter for voltage using the
Solutions
If the battery is beyond three years and shows some of the issues mentioned above, like dimmed lights, replace it. Follow the steps below to perform a battery replacement.
- Step 1: Turn off the vehicle and pop the hood.
- Step 2: Locate the battery, sometimes under the cover. Consult the user manual.
- Step 3: Disconnect the negative battery’s terminal and then the positive one.
- Step 4:. Remove any clamps holding the battery in position.
- Step 5: Remove the battery.
- Step 6: Install the new battery.
- Step 7: Clean the terminals and reconnect them, starting with the positive terminal.
- Step 8: Test the car using the new battery.
The video below shows how to change a car battery.
Professionals will cost you between $100 and $250 to change the battery
3. Loose or Corroded Battery Terminals
Your battery’s terminals can also be corroded, interfering with charging and drawing power from the battery. When the terminals are corroded, the vehicle won’t get the required power to start and dies when the current draw from components increases.
Diagnosis
Access the battery and check the terminals for corrosion, which can be a white or green powder. This occurs due to a chemical reaction between the hydrogen gas from the sulfuric acid and the air and moisture.
Solutions
Usually, cleaning the terminals and the cables and tightening them fixes this issue. However, if the battery is badly corroded, consider replacing it. Turn off the car and locate the battery. Disconnect the terminals, starting with the negative terminal.
Use a cleaner or a water and baking soda mixture to clean the terminals and the cables. Use a toothbrush to scrub the corrosion off and wipe with a dry cloth afterward. Reconnect the battery and screw them on tightly.
Other possible issues if the car dies after jumping include the following.
- Faulty wiring – Faulty wiring can drain the battery or create short circuits in the system.
- Fuel system issues – The fuel system issues can affect the fuel supply to the engine, stalling it shortly after.
Related Questions
Following are three questions related to the car dying after a jump start and their answers.
Q1. How Long Should I Allow The Battery After Jumping?
Usually, charging the battery for half an hour is enough to charge the battery for the next startup.
Q3. Should I Replace the Battery After Jump Starting The Car?
Yes, while jump-starting helps the vehicle start, you ought to know why the battery drained. Replace it if it’s weak or dead.
Outro
If you have issues forcing you to jump-start the vehicle, the battery, and the alternator are the first parts to investigate. These parts are also the more likely reasons for the issue of the car dying after a jump start. Check for a loose, corroded, or weak battery affecting the current flow. The alternator belt can be loose or the alternator damaged, and the practical solution is to replace it. Follow the steps in the article to fix these issues or consider hiring a professional to do it for you.