Electrical Problem?

[Matthew Ring]

Hey all, so today I was driving my Festiva and the electrical elements of the car just died, I've recently replaced the Battery so I don't think that's it what I'm thinking is either the alternator belt which is in need of replacement for sure or possibly the alternator its self. I'm just concerned could it be something more serious? I'm not running anything that requires a multiple positive cables so I think the battery is able to run the very few electronics I have, basically the heater and the radio, oh and of course the lights. I've gotten the car jumped before and it will run perfect for like 10 minutes but after that it will just die. So ya do you guys think its the alternator or could it be even worse? Hoping for some good news here.

[nitrofarm]

What is the voltage at the battery with the car idling and bright lights/heater fan on high? It should be 14.75

[SiliconSoul]

Follow Nitrofarm's advice. If you don't have a voltmeter, get one! Out of curiosity, why the new battery? I see you had some problems with a bad alternator belt recently.

If all your alternator voltage at idle checks out ok, start looking at your battery connections then your fuses. If you haven't done it already, follow Nitrofarm's "Fuseable Link Distribution Block Repair link" in his signature. You don't have to completely take it apart like he shows, but definitely replace the fuseable links with fuses.

[bravekozak]

What is the voltage at the battery with the car idling and bright lights/heater fan on high? It should be 14.75

That's why I chose a three and a half ohm resistor to slow down my carby electric fuel pump. Nice.



Everyone should pop the spades out of their fuse link holder and wire wheel them at least once every twenty years. They are brass. They like being nice and shiny once in a while. The same with all the ground terminals on the car. That is one thing I can immediately rule out. It's a real pleasure having every circuit working exactly like it is supposed to. No bandaids or bypasses. I popped the terminals out of all the engine compartment connectors, wire wheeled them and clicked them back into place again. The real corroded ones were the turn signal, parking light and the starter motor connectors. For some reason, Kia did not use waterproof connectors for them.

[SiliconSoul]

If you give up on it, let me know! If the body is in good shape I am always willing to grab another Festiva for cheap instead of letting it go to the wreckers...

[Matthew Ring]

Not to worry lads I've fixed the problem turns out it was just a bum alternator as for you SiliconSoul I've recently been questioning weather the Festiva way of life is the life for me, I just feel that my lack of car knowledge will cause this car to go to waste when there is such a huge community out there who is so creative with these cars, if I ever feel that I'm no longer wanting the car I'll let you know.