hey all. so my girlfriend just called me from work. (about 13 miles away at st jude) she was out in the parking deck with the car running smoking and she said her radios lights went off (she has an aftermarket kenwood) and then they started flickering and all. so she shut off the car and tried to start it again and it clicks, and when you turn the key to the accessory position the wipers cut on. she said when she turned the key back the radio turned on along with the wipers and she said she didnt think her lights were any dimmer than usual, but sue set the phone on the hood and tried to start the car and it clicked like the battery was shot. im thinking alternator but the wipers thing puzzles me.

but i wanted to ask your guys opinion first because ive got to get clearance to go through the gate as a visitor each time and they get pissy if you go more than once cause its a ten min process. if worse comes to worse ive just gotta push her out of the parking deck and my aaa card will tow her 30 miles. all ive got is my 157pc craftsman set with me no ohmeter so the headlights are throwing me off and i cant test the alternator.

its a 2002 civic coupe ex

Check the battery connections first.

yea, thats one of the obvious firsts. im just posting basically to see if anyone can thing of something i might not think of. because its a good gallon of gas round trip and i dont need to make more than one with no money lol

x2 on the battery connections. Check the connections at the starter too.

If it wont crank with the battery, but will crank if you jump to the cables, it'* likely the connections at the battery. If there is no change, the hit the starter lightly with a hammer. I've seen this kick the starter over and start the car. In that case, you have a bad starter. But considering how the radio acted, I would be inclined to say battery connections, or bad battery.

Smoking ... no charge ... I'm kinda thinking she blew the alternator belt.

I think he meant she was sitting in the car smoking...But yes check connections even if they dont appear loose they may be..been there done that lol

turns out her battery isnt putting out enough amps. i didnt even have to start my car. hooked up the cables and went straight to the ignition and it started right up. its got an old corroded interstate with a 75mth warranty that the previous owner put in. im not sure if its still under warranty or if you can even redeem it being the 2nd owner. thanks alot for the help guys.

Most of the time, after even a short time, the warranty is pro rated. In other words, they will knock off $5 and take your old battery. Nice deal considering you can get $6+ at the scrap yard.

good thing it was only the battery, those cars are ridiculous to do anything too..