Car dies - no warning lights - can only go from drive to neutral - will jump start ok

[lamiphia]

New belts, new radiator, but battery was only 75% charge.
We did 45minute drive no issue - then car was dead - no light, no electrics at all. Jump starts fine and will run for anything from 5 seconds to 40minutes but is prone to dying - no warning lights ... One minute 50MPH - next every needles drops to zero, no warning lights, no nothing.

Jump starts easily, runs fine and no lights come on - suggesting everything is normal, lights are on on first key turn but all go out once cranked and started as they should..

I did notice that when I put the first jumper cable on the positive terminal, the indicators can on and something in the engine bay clicked (open or shut) -
Could it be as simple as a bad battery - or could it be something else ?

Ideas welcome.

 

[ihone]

Could be a battery - a cell internally could be shorted and just takes time to heat up and complete the short-circuit.

Get your battery tested at an auto store - they should be able to do it for free at most of them.

 

[lamiphia]

Thanks - I was thinking battery - because the shop said "its like something is draining it" - hence the 75% charge
Seems odd to simply "turn off" at 60mph at normal operating temp and no warning lights - literally like someone turned the key and left coasting to the kerb...

I'll try the battery test today at the shop.

 

[wallabe]

I'm guessing Alternator. For something to just quit without warning and starts up on a "jump/boost off" means that something is not charging or keep a charge. Just my two cents

Also since you have new belts, did they tighten them correctly? a loose belt can cause the alternator not to charge properly. Which is way you may be having a various times when driving.

 

[Cleverfrog]

I'm guessing Alternator. For something to just quit without warning and starts up on a "jump/boost off" means that something is not charging or keep a charge. Just my two cents

Also since you have new belts, did they tighten them correctly? a loose belt can cause the alternator not to charge properly. Which is way you may be having a various times when driving.

I agree with this one.

 

[lamiphia]

Seems it was the battery - seems the Protege is one car that does not function without the battery connection once the alternator is carrying the load. Seven outings today and no issue. Sometimes the simplest fixes really are the right fixes.... Thanks for the suggestions

 

[ihone]

no prob bob.