Driftwurks

I was driving in my S13 coupe (KA24E) to meet up with some friends a few hours ago and my car started shutting off everytime I came to a stop. The only way the car stays on is if I keep my foot on the throttle constantly. The car starts right back up with no issues but will shut off immediately if I don't press and hold the throttle. The brake and battery light(s) are on simultaneously as well. I have done some searching and it seems like the alternator might be going out but, I was wondering if any of you could share some insight.

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Mikester

Sounds like the alternator. You can take it & have it tested. However before doing all that, definitely check all the usual stuff (charge voltage, wiring condish, grounds etc).

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Driftwurks

I appreciate the quick response. I had an AutoZone employee test my battery and everything checked out. I also replaced the positive battery terminal because it was old and corroded and I still had this issue. I'll have the alternator tested tomorrow and i'll post the results. I forgot to mention, my car was making funny electrical noises that sounded like buzzing but it wasn't occurring constantly. The noise would occur and disappear randomly.

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Agamemnon

Is your radio shutting off and on?
If you run your car with all lights off and radio off, will the car start to die when you press on the brake pedal?
If so, sounds like you alt isn't charging anymore.

godsmack

Easy way to check is to start car keep it idleing and then remove the negative battery terminal. If your car shuts off then the alt is bad.

Driftwurks

I'll have to get a friend to help me try that method out. As soon as I start my car, I have to keep my foot on the throttle otherwise the car will turn off or it will idle at ~50-100 rpm. I also noticed that the brake and battery lights will start flickering when I put my foot on/take my foot off the throttle.

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240pimp

sounds like a not charging issue to me.

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93 Hatch w SR20

Broadfield

Judging by the facts presented, the alternator is not the issue. If the car starts fine, then it obviously has plenty of juice for it to run. It wouldn't matter if the alternator was charging or even hooked up for that matter... as long as the battery has a charge on it. A lot of your bigger 1/4 mile cars do not run alternators at all.

I have had 3 alternators go bad in my life and the car still always ran until the battery was completely discharged or the battery just didn't have enough juice to start the car... but the car would never just die and then be able to just restart.

With that being said, I wouldn't 100% rule the alternator out. I see strange things happen in the 12 volt world every day. As mentioned above, completely disconnect the alternator and see if the car still shuts off at idle.

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hooknbook240sx

check you're grounds wiring to the alternator and battery. It sounds like an alternator issue. If your car starts missin and radio cuts out usually the alternator is toast and not charging properly. hope it works out for you.

fliprayzin240sx

Bust out the multi-meter and see what voltage you're seeing across the battery before you start the engine and after the engine is running. Should see 12v when you start it, drop down to about 9v cranking and then jump up to atleast 13V. If you're not seeing 13V, alternator is poopy.

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xkirex

Check the 10Amp Engine Cont fuse under the hood

Driftwurks

This turned out to be the problem. I replaced the alternator and my belts regardless because they were old and cracked. I just posted this as a reference to anyone who comes across this thread.

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