thread: Not what you want to happen at 38 weeks pregnant

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Nov 2009
    In Paradise
    2,022

    Not what you want to happen at 38 weeks pregnant

    So today we go to get DS from Preschool and after picking him up ... The car doesnt start. We had only just turned it off and there hasnt been a problem in a while

    We are getting our Holden keys replaced tomorrow as Im sure anyone with auto buttons knows they break and we have been using our central locking via the key in the door for a few months now, but finally organised new keys at $100 each...

    So when I unlocked the car the central locking opened all the doors.
    Then when I tried to start the car there were no "reds" the car had no power at all, wouldnt even put doen a window, make a noise etc so I tried to relock the doors in hope of resetting the alarm and fixing the problem... but the central locking was even DEAD !!

    Luckily instead of starting to freak out like DH I went inside the preschool and asked around for jumper leads, and some help to start the car. It Started but The short trip home wouldnt be enough to recharge the battery and im scared there will be no power in the morning when we go t o go out

    We had the key guy coming here early but what if it doesnt fix the problem? The battery was clearly dead on the car but the battery said it was ok with the green dot showing... and it started when i jumped it so obviously the key still works... what do you think could have happened?

    Why did the battery go dead?
    I hope it is sorted now or magically fixes itselff because I do not need another drama when I feel like bub is coming real soon...

    FAR out !! Any ideas ladies

    Why do I have all the luck

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Add UntoldAngel on Facebook

    Nov 2009
    Between concrete walls
    1,885

    Hmm I would think battery or EMS... hopefully the battery for your sake, EMS's are a pain in the backside to fix, and expensive

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Caroline Springs
    2,341

    It may be a problem with your alternator unfortunately.

    Your alternator is what converts the mechanical energy from you engine, into the electrical energy that is used to power all your cars accessories. It's also what keeps your battery fully charged and gives it the power that is required to start your car. When you alternator isn't working properly your battery starts to do the work for the alternator which is not what it's designed for. It's meant to be more like a capacitor than a long-term power supply, and basically just give a huge boost of energy to start the car. If the alternator is failing and the battery is working overtime, eventually the battery will go flat. Because it's not a problem with the battery, the car is still able to be jump-started, but as the alternator is still not charging the battery, the car will probably not start again by itself, and may even just stop while driving.

    Fingers crossed it's something much simpler than that, but it just sounds suspicious to me.

    PS. Can you tell my daddy is a car mechanic? Hehe

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jul 2010
    Melbourne
    2,737

    Yeah sounds like what happened to my car, I thought it was the battery, but turns out it was the alternator. From what I remember it wasn't too expensive, but my dad is an auto elec so he went and got me a second hand one and put it in for me. I paid about $120 I think for the part.

  5. #5
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Feb 2006
    melbourne
    11,462

    i was also going to say the alternator

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Caroline Springs
    2,341

    If it does turn out to be the alternator do I get a prize for being first to mention it? Hehehe

  7. #7
    Registered User
    Add Purple Penguin on Facebook

    Apr 2009
    Eastern Melbourne, Vic
    1,105

    That sounds like what happened with my car not long ago, all the electrics went while I was driving, couldn't even put the hazards on, called the RACV and sure enough it was the alternator. Hope it's not too exxy to fix.

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Nov 2009
    In Paradise
    2,022

    Looks like it was the electronics from the key itself... it shortcircited the battery because they were about to go and after the key guy came today, we havent had a problem yet so heres hoping its all fixed.. the key guy said it was common with Holdens....

    Thanks ladies, My other guess would have been the alternator too and its the only thing we havent yet replaced on the car...

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Caroline Springs
    2,341

    So wait... Does that mean I don't get my prize? Lol!!! Glad you got it all sorted out