91 Auto GL died while driving...

[virtuacarl]

Cruising down Rainbow Blvd, and the engine dies, check engine and all other lights come on. Still electrical power. Engine tries to start, but won't turn over. The alternator has been making some funky high pitched sounds in short (maybe 30 sec) intervals. Thinking maybe alternator or starter?

[88FestivaLX]

Sounds like alternator. Mine kinda did the same thing. Killed a cell in my battery too

[1990new]

If it will start and run with a jump, it is most likely a charging system/battery issue.
Otherwise it is likely ignition or fuel system related.

But it sound like you have already diagnosed the problem based on the alternator
making noise. To confirm that is definitely the alternator, borrow a battery and
drive it to a mcauto and have them check it. Looks like you will need a new
battery also.

[william]

"Tries to start but won't turn over" I'm confused by this. so is the battery dead and it won't turn over/ crank? Or will it turn over/crank but won't start?

[virtuacarl]

Sorry, I'm dumb. Cranking but no starting.

[virtuacarl]

Thanks for the responses guys. Y'all are the best. Will update.

[william]

Okay so if it's cranks check the basics , check for spark at coil and plug. If you have spark check for fuel .

[Victor Lang]

Have had a similar problem. Sits for a while and then starts. A used car dealer friend said might be a crank case sensor. ?

[william]

Have had a similar problem. Sits for a while and then starts. A used car dealer friend said might be a crank case sensor. ?

Icm come to mind here . After it cools it starts working again.
No crank case sensor

[virtuacarl]

Started up when I got back to it after work. Didn't even make it a quarter mile before the motor dies out, but only for a couple seconds. I gave it some gas and it started going again. Coil and plug wires seemed to be ok. My mechanic friend finagled with them and I was able to get it home.

[virtuacarl]

Have had a similar problem. Sits for a while and then starts.

Pretty much what happened this time.

[ColdFlame53]

Happened to me one time my alternator wasnt applying enough force on my belt and after that my alternator was just shot when my car died on me mid-drive

[Studebaker]

I had a short coil wire once. It would work loose and cause this problem. Check the coil wire!!