Check charge system, random codes on dic now dead

[jetjimjames]

So i just bought a 2002 aurora w 125000 miles on it. Beautiful car, was told everything worked just fine on it and 2 days later it starts flashing msgs at me from the dic before cutting out and not starting back up unless it has jump start. As soon as the cables are removed though it starts losing power and the dash lights come on and off, not necessarily flickering, and the power doors and windows quit working and it dies. I tried to drive it and it made it 30 feet into the road and then started losing power and died so I just rolled off the road and there it has sat since. I would think its either an alternator as it has a newer battery in it, or maybe a bad pcm? Please help I need to get this car going as my 1999 bonneville ssei has very sketchy brakes at best. Thank you for any input.

[tigger]

I'd get the battery charged and load tested at the parts store first, regardless of how new it is.

If that checks out, you can use a multimeter to check the alternator. Just connect the probes directly to the battery terminals and set the meter to DCV. Then start the car and check the meter. If you're not in the high 13V to low 14V range, your alternator isn't functioning properly.

[RCA1186]

Yep tigger has it right. Took the words from my mouth...err..fingers haha

[jetjimjames]

Right on I will do that and go from there. And thank you, i will update once I can find the time to go and figure it out.

[jetjimjames]

Sorry i took so long to update my situation..... I replaced the alternator which was a bit more difficult than i thought it would be, and the car has been running great now for about two weeks or so. Should I have to do it again, I think I could get it done in maybe 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours. A few days after replacing the alternator my battery took a crap and I was just glad it wasnt a defective alternator. Thanks for all input.

[tigger]

Thanks for reporting back...

Good to hear you got it squared away!