Engine Why is my car shutting off?

Why is my car shutting off?

I don't know why, but whenever I hit the defrost button in my car, it shuts off. No matter the speed, I've tryed when I was going 45 MPH and it shuts off, it's like I am hitting a kill switch. I am almost positive that my alternater is dying, but what are the symptoms? I do know that when I am running my A/C my car will bog heavy when I step on the gas from a dead stop, when I turn it off, it goes away. Also when I have the A/C on, I get a whine from the engine bay, almost sounding like I have a supercharger, and rather loud. Also, lol, when I let my windows up, or down, and hold the button, I will get a supercharger sound from the door where the window is being cranked.

my dad's old mazda had that problem and we never did found out what it was causing this. it shuts off often right, and a loud sqeaky sound right?
just try to take the car to a mechanic and tell them what happen, they might know.

yup, alternator. it powers your car. thru the engine. so the batery doesnt die so soon.
Replace your alternator.

when you change your alternator, its also extremely important to change the drive belt powering it, as well as the other belts (if its 92-97, newer models have 1 serpentine belt) if you have the time...this will eliminate any obnoxious squealing down the road..

Sounds like an alternator problem. Have your drivebelts check first though. they might be loose or worn out that's why its not putting out enough voltage to keep your accessories going. You can also check the alternator quickly by starting your car, then removing your negative terminal. If it is working right, it should keep your car running, if its malfunctioning, it should kill your car. I'm not sure if it will kill it as soon as you remove the negative terminal, but I don't doubt one bit that your problem is in the alternator the way you are telling us the symptoms.

to me it sounds like something else.....

if it was the alternator... and if he drove the car the night before.... the car would probably not start.... if a bad alternator is only giving out, say 11 volts... and the car needs 14.... then it will use power from the battery..... next day the battery would be dead enough not to start the car.... i see it every day i work....

I know how you can fix this!!!



Dont turn on the defrost! hehe

Take it to a local shop if you don't know how to. Have them check your drivebelt first make sure it doesn't need replacing. then have them check your alternator, it could be at a first stage of going bad and not always putting out the right voltage. Make sure you explain to them the exact problem so they can diagnose it better.

I concur with Toyotaspeed90... when my alternator went out it was nothing like he explained at all or even close other than the car died (only after the battery was drained).