Help! My car is buggered!
 

Okay, I don't know much about cars, so I'm just gonna gamble on someone here maybe having some idea of what they're doing before I start actually paying for things.

I drive a '91 Ford Tempo. Tonight, as I was driving home, the amp light came on. A quick look into the owner's manual told me that my car's battery was not charging properly. I made it home, and then my car crapped out right there. If I try to start it, it makes a clicking noise. It will start with a boost, but I'm not sure if I can trust it to get me to a service place.

I fumbled around in there, and I didn't see any frayed wires or anything, so I figure the battery is just fried. Am I right? Could it be anything else? Does anyone have some general advice for the problem?

This Title™ happened to me at least Twice.
 

My guesstimation would be either Battery or Alternator.

Try charging the Battery and see if it will hold a charge.

If you can rule out the battery, then I'd go with Alternator. Sounds like that may have been the part that died on you.

Not a mechanic though, I just play one on TV. Might want to ask the mechanic, he may have slightly different suspects.

To be fair, this car is already way past its life expectancy. I just need it to hold together for like, two more months.

Why two months? Get new car now!!!

The burner in your gas tank went out. You need to stick a match down there to get it to light again.

^ Good God, Fifth, a guy with no experience might actually try that! :gonk:


I'd say the alternator or battery. Mostly the battery. I had that happen and RAN on the alternator until I could get to the shop. It held just enough for one start per charge on its own.

I've got the gas tank removed and opened up but I can't find the burner anywhere. I've got a 2007 Chrysler Crossfire, do they have some fancy electrical burner?

Fifthfiend for World Overlord.
He just wins, right here, right now.

Anyways, having no knowledge, but maybe some deduction skills, I'll have to copy bluestarultor and Loki's opinion.

You could do it the normal way and do what they say...

...or you can call Car Talk and actually get on their show, which is a much more awesome option.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, you lose. Hard.

Great! Thanks a lot! My car works perfectly now.