SEK

I started my car and noticed the battery light came on. I sat for a few seconds and then the check headlight warning came on. I drove about 3 miles and then all of the lights popped on and then the car began difficult to turn (I was trying to pull over in a safe place). I finally parked and cut the car off. I attemoted to restart it but it wouldn’t. After 10min. or so I restarted it and it started. Alternator issue?

ez12a

how old is the battery? I'd get the battery and charging system checked at your local auto parts store.

Some batteries just dont last. I had one for less than 2 years and it died. Before it suddenly died and left me stranded, i had some weak starting and headlight flickering issues. AAA came by and tested my charging system and found that it was charging properly. All that was left was the battery.

They gave me a jump start and even after an hour of driving the battery wouldn't hold a charge.

SEK

So a bad battery can cause it to do all of the things I listed?

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

I think your alternator is bad! Because you were able to start the car. After you start the car the main power source comes from the alternator. I would def check the voltage on the battery and the alternator. It maybe something silly as a dirty or worn out battery terminals, so I would inspect those aswell. But I think your main culprit is the alternator.

SEK

I went to AutoZone to have a diagnostic test performed but it won’t even read. He then tested the battery and noticed it was corroded. The battery was only charged at 16% so I called AAA. I’m just waiting on the technician.

ez12a

Electronics can go haywire with improper voltage. I havent experienced the christmas tree of lights myself in the GS, but I know in the Acura TL it happens and it was often an indicator of a bad battery.

I saw a bad battery cause flickering tail and headlights in my GS and the radio restarted itself, this was with the engine on.

Replaced my battery at walmart under warranty, nothing out of pocket. Been fine ever since (about a month ago now)

Good luck on isolating the issue. I would definitely start by making sure the terminals are clean, simplest and cheapest fixes first. Did you ever find out how old the battery was?

SEK

AAA came out and determined it was low voltage from the alternator. I also need a new battery.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

If you were doing the job yourself instead of replacing the whole alternator, maybe your brushes are bad in the alternator. Brushes (like 15-20 bucks) are super cheap compared to the whole alternator ($300-450)

Its worth a shot as the brushes are a wear item and mainly fail on most alternators.

tcr101

iTrader: (2)

If you do swap the alternator yourself, do not overtighten the bolt that holds the cable to the battery/car... It will never feel "tight" and you'll snap the bolt/ have to buy a new alternator...