Let me start by saying...I'm a girl. So if this is a stupid car question, forgive me! I have a 1996 3000GT that I love. The battery has been dying for slowly for a few weeks. That is to say that it hasdied but I've been able to jump itand it will start w/o a problem. Today it died and I wasn't able to start it w/ a jump. I bought a new battery and it still will not start. I don't know how to tell if it's a starter issue, altenator issue or what I have read on here...an ECU issue (I have no idea what that is.) Can anyone tell me the difference in the three and how to tell what the issue may be? (Or if I installed the battery wrong...that is a possibility.)[sm=sigh.gif]

 

Well let me start off by welcoming you to the forums.

Trust me you display a reasonable prediction asto what the problem might be and i have seen worse from your ever day guy.. .so dont worry there .

The way to tell would be this.... Ifyou turn the key.. and the engine turns over.. .then it is not the starter. If you turn the key.. and just hear ONE little click.. then it IS the starter. If you keep jumping the battery.. and it keeps dieing on you.. then it would most likely be the alternator. You can get it checked at any auto repair shop. Just tell them you want them to test the output of the alternator because you suspect it is f-ed. If you say exactly that you are less likely to be taken for a ride... lets face facts... it does happen and most will exploit any chance they can of making an extra buck. Sad, but true.

However, it may not be your alternator. It could just as much be the battery not holding a charge. Is it an old battery? Some of the new batterys will have a little indicator that will tell you if it is good or bad. Usually.... Green = good...Black = bad. Not all have it.. only the high end expensive batterys.

So lets conclude. If the engine turns over when you try to start it... it is not the starter. If you only hear one single click.. and the engine does not turn over... then it is the starter. If the alternator is putting out a decent amount of power when it is tested... it is most likely that your battery is shot. If the alternator is not putting out enough voltage... well.. i dont have to tell you.

It might also be a bad connection to the alternator or the battery. Make sure the battery terminals are clean and corrosion free and on tight.

I hope i have helped you

 

I will try all of those today and let you know. Thank you for the help!! [sm=smiley27.gif]

 

Anytime.

 

If what he said above doesn't do it for you, usually you can take it to an advance auto or autozone, describe the situation, and someone there can usually help you on the spot.