Help from any Auto Mechanics out here. ?

Question

I have a 1999 Ford Escort. I recently installed a new battery, after having some charging issues. It was determined at the parts store, old battery was bad. I can start the car and it runs for like 3 minutes than car dies and wont restart, like a dead battery. After waiting an hour or so, it will start again only to die a short time later again. What up with this?

Answer 1

altenator gone bad

Answer 2

Did you have the alternator checked out while at the parts store?

Answer 3

Rudy H is right, need more info, like, after 3 minutes, does the engine turn over, but will not crank, if that's the case, I would suggest the Catalytic  Converter is stopped up, and not letting the exhaust out. But will re crank after the exhaust leaks out of the system. But need more info to properly diagnose problem.

Answer 4

you haven't given me much to work with but maybe the alternator is dieing and or replace old terminals  

Answer 5

could be the voltage regulator  older fords there was a electrical box around the fire wall or on the fenders most newer cars are built into the alternator have it checked at local auto parts free test unless you see the black box im talkin about in older ford and and if the cat is bad it will run but ussually make the engine run hot   cat=catalyst converter i dought thats is your problem its an electrical issue something is not chargin  a coil needs 12 volts to operate ebgine after that is lloses power so its voltage regulator or alternator have it checked and if it is putting out volts make sure its pushing at least 14 on the meter when they test it  or get a new one

Answer 6

You mean after running for three minutes the engine doesn't crank when you turn the key or it cranks and won't start? You need to add more info to your answer. Give details.  

Answer 7

the alternator is,nt charging the battery enough to build it up. after you leave it sit, it,s probably picking up enough juice to start it, but ill say it sounds like the alternator or voltage regulator.

Answer 8

bad alternator or starter

Answer 9

bad coil would be my guess if it start runs then stops bad coil or bad gas

Answer 10

Disconnect your battery terminals and fully charge the battery, preferably slowly at 2 amps, but 10 amps is ok.  Reconnect the terminals and check the voltage of the battery, with the engine off,  with a voltmeter set to DC Voltage.  Buy one if you don't have one;  the cost about $35 bucks, and will save you huge money over your lifetime.  

The voltage with the car off should be around 12. Then start the car and check the voltage again; red lead of the meter on (+), black lead on (-).  The voltage should be around 14-14.5.  If it doesn't go up much, or at all, you have a charging problem; usually the alternator, most of which have internal regulators nowadays.

Good luck.

Answer 11

Also when it does crank, does it crank at normal speed or sluggish. If it cranks normally, just intermittently, then it might be a bad ground somewhere. If it is cranking slowly, then you have a low battery. Considering you recently replaced your battery, it might be that your alternator is not charging or you have a draw somewhere in the system.