Car Not Starting... All the time

[Will_318i]

So here is the deal, my car isn't starting all the time like it was before. It started on Sunday when I was getting off of the freeway and hit a bump in the road and the car just shut off. I was still rolling trying to get the car started, and after a few key turns it did. And it started fine after that.

Then yesterday, I was heading to my apt. Someone was backing out and I went to flash my high beams at them to give them the go ahead. The car just shut off. Took a few key turns to get it started again. Then when I was going to leave, the car wouldn't start. Took about 5 min for it to start. Then when I went to turn my headlights on, dead again.

So finally today, when i was leaving my house for work, it didnt start until 2-3 key turns. Then while getting gas at costco, it wouldn't start at all. Took like 15-20 key turns for it to finally start. So I'm not sure where the problem lies, and I need some help cause this is my DD and I do need it for work.

Thanks for the info.

[Kershaw]

flashing the high beams sounds like an alternator problem.

[Will_318i]

flashing the high beams sounds like an alternator problem.

fuck, someone else said the same thing. i just wanted to confirm...

[McGyver]

radio cuts out too and windows really slow? you probably have a bad alternator. but the good news is you can get a new one from auto zone for $80 with a lifetime warranty so when it stops working again in a year your covered! you only lose about 20 minutes of your time swapping it out in the parking lot.

[Will_318i]

radio cuts out too and windows really slow? you probably have a bad alternator. but the good news is you can get a new one from auto zone for $80 with a lifetime warranty so when it stops working again in a year your covered! you only lose about 20 minutes of your time swapping it out in the parking lot.

ok, so that's not whats happening. When the car turns back on, everything works fine. All the accessories work until the car dies, then nothing works. But i looked up the price for the alternator, it's like $140. fucking cocks...

[McGyver]

yeah, advance auto is around 80 for a shitty one that will break in a year. BUT the warranty is lifetime so your covered.

[for3ver]

It could be the battery cables make sure the connections are clean and tightened down properly.

[Will_318i]

It could be the battery cables make sure the connections are clean and tightened down properly.

one of the connections to the battery was jacked up. figured this out yesterday after work when i moved the connection and it broke. but now the car cranks and doesn't start. and when i put the jumper cables, it starts right up. i think it's either the battery now or the alternator... gonna check it during lunch.