Check gauges then nothing
 

This morning, after dropping kids to school, the radio died, then i noticed the CHECK GAUGES red light on.
'99 Grand Cherokee Ltd
I stopped, when i restarted, nothing, nada, kaput...... the only sign of life was the clock which still showed 230.000 -
i got a boost, first time it started...... when i took the cable off, it stayed running, went to drive and it died (only left running 1-23mins)

When i pushed it down to its parking space (not easy this time of year alone!), the fob wouldn't work.

The date on the battery is 10/08

is it the battery or alternator??

thanks for any info......

Cormac

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

Hey cor,
Welcome. Could be as simple as bad connection(s) to and from the battery/alternator/ground. Start with the easiest/cheapest first. Check and clean all major connections. When it's running, what does the volt meter read? Should be about 14V
A properly maintained battery SHOULD last some 5 years.
Peter

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

thanks Peter,

Will try that - it will have to be by hand, all my tool were left in Ireland when i left, and of course i have no wheels to pick some up!

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

Try a simple test first...Get it running anyway you can(by boosting or charging the battery on slow charge for 8 hours)
While it's running remove the positive battery cable from the battery,if it stays running,it's just the battery,if the engine dies as soon as you disconnect,it's the alternator.

But my own personal rule of thumb is to replace both when either has a problem,in my experience the other component is not too far behind.
That is only if a sudden problem develops,like in your case.There are times when I leave the key on all afternoon and end up draining the battery-in this case I would just recharge or replace the battery.
Hope this helps and keep us informed. :)

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

thanks

could that be the case? In my GC, i can take the key out with the engine running.... could i have not turned it fully? but why did it die while i was driving?

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

i just had it running off next doors SUV, for about 5 mins, then drove 5km, left it running while i went into a store, it started ok, first time (outside my door!)

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

I think you drained your battery somehow(dome light left on,or as you said,ignition switch not fully turned off.
Try the test I posted above,it will tell you instantly.
Just a tip,loosen the positive cable terminal first and wiggle it loose so it can be easy to remove when the engine is running.

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

will do tomorrow thanks, will let you know how it goes

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

cor,
OK. Still not a bad idea to check all your connections. Could be it's making contact now and for say the next while but she could let you down at the worst time. What is the volt meter reading while running? Not sure whether disconneting the battery whilst running might harm something or not. UAP or similar might test alternator or battery for free.
Peter.

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

meter is showing 14, will check connections by hand tomorrow too,

as i said, I have not even got a spanner!! (Got to Canada in September)