Do I need a new alternator?
30

Asked by AMcCray119 May 24, 2017 at 03:00 PM about the 2003 Chevrolet Impala FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I got a new car battery in 2011 and again in 2016. In 2011, I was told the
battery should last me about 10 years. Two days ago, my car would not
start. It started immediately after connecting it to a charger and I have not
had any problems starting the car since. Yesterday while driving, I tried
turning the car but the steering wheel locked up and the red battery light
came on. After pressing the gas pedal, eventually the wheel turned easily,
the battery light went away and I was able to drive normally. This has
happened 5+ times since yesterday, and only occurs when I am turning. It
does not happen everytime.

Could this be my alternator losing power when I slow down, or a loose
connection with the battery? I am afraid of the car completely losing power
while I am driving.

5 Answers

F_O_R answered 6 years ago

Have the alternator tested. It should put out around 13.5 to 14.5 volts.

Mark helpful
115

Henry answered 6 years ago

Take it to a "reputable shop" with a "Charging System Analyzer." Once hooked up it will tell you Battery Voltage (engine off), Battery Voltage Recovery, and Alternator Output with, and without load. This will pinpoint the weak link in your chain. Lastly check your "Battery Ground Cables!" A poor ground will cause the problems your having too, so check (or have the shop) check grounds from battery to engine, and chassis. Electricity is very lazy.

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
30

AMcCray119 answered 6 years ago

I forgot to mention that after charging the battery, I went directly to Advanced Auto Parts and they said the battery was fully charged at ~14 volts. My check engine light was not on. Yesterday (the day after this incident), my check engine light came on and has been on ever since.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
30

AMcCray119 answered 6 years ago

It has also been raining the past 2 days, if that has anything to do with it

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

F_O_R answered 6 years ago

Have the trouble codes read to know what is going on. I think Advanced Auto Parts will read them for free.

3 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Do I need a new alternator? 5 Answers

    I got a new car battery in 2011 and again in 2016. In 2011, I was told the battery should last me about 10 years. Two days ago, my car would not start. It started immediately after connecting it to ...

    2003 Chevrolet Impala FWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Do I need a new starter or do I need a new alternator? 1 Answer

    I bought a new battery and when I turn the ignition key I'm not even getting a click sound from the starter..? Do I need a new starter? I don't think its the alternator because the starter would sti...

    2007 Chevrolet Impala LS FWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Do I need a new torque converter Chevy impala 2012 1 Answer

    Had my vehicle check cause check engine lite was on computer said torque converter band and car Shift well Then Mechanic Ask me how long has it I been Since you change transmission fluid I said ne...

    2012 Chevrolet Impala LS FWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Do I need to take my transmission apart to replace a front axle seal? 2 Answers

    Leaking transmission fluid. Need to know if there's a transmission clip that pulls out to where I can just pop a new seal in or if I need to disassemble it.

    2001 Chevrolet Impala FWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • What rear end do I need 5 Answers

    can anyone tell what size rear end I need for my 1968 impala 4 door. seen a lot of people saying 10 bolt but a few have told me I need a 12. And is finding old junk yard impalas the only route I go...

    1968 Chevrolet Impala 4 Door Hardtop Coupe RWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Impala

Looking for a Used Impala in your area?

CarGurus has 4,038 nationwide Impala listings starting at $650.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2003 Chevrolet Impala

Write a car review

Review another car

Shortcuts

Search Chevrolet Impala Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    6,120
  • #2
    james sparrow
    Reputation
    4,630
  • #3
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    4,080
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Malibu
980 Great Deals out of 20,111 listings starting at $700
Used Honda Accord
1,539 Great Deals out of 29,750 listings starting at $600
Used Toyota Camry
2,067 Great Deals out of 37,359 listings starting at $575
Used Chevrolet Camaro
608 Great Deals out of 9,439 listings starting at $2,150
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,022 Great Deals out of 20,374 listings starting at $2,500
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,098 Great Deals out of 132,894 listings starting at $1,000
Used Nissan Maxima
250 Great Deals out of 3,623 listings starting at $2,400
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,575 Great Deals out of 49,993 listings starting at $624
Used Nissan Altima
1,330 Great Deals out of 38,026 listings starting at $800
Used Chevrolet Monte Carlo
4 Great Deals out of 205 listings starting at $3,000

Used Cars for Sale

2020 Chevrolet Impala For Sale
9 Great Deals out of 158 listings starting at $12,942
2019 Chevrolet Impala For Sale
56 Great Deals out of 597 listings starting at $8,995
2018 Chevrolet Impala For Sale
20 Great Deals out of 313 listings starting at $5,500
2017 Chevrolet Impala For Sale
25 Great Deals out of 365 listings starting at $6,999
2016 Chevrolet Impala For Sale
16 Great Deals out of 221 listings starting at $3,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.