I went through a puddle of slush w/my 2002 Kia Spectra. The lights,radio,clock etc. started going dim. Got home the car died out. tightened the belts. But still wont stay running. Only for a minute. Alternator is new.(will take a jump but dies out again) What could be wrong.
Answers from the Automotive Experts
Renee,
Your description sounds like you may have a failing alternator despite how new your existing alternator may be. The primary purpose of a battery is for starting purposes. To keep a vehicles electrical components going is the alternator. Hypothetically you may have caused the stator on the inside of the alternator to become wet, when may have "fried" the component.
Somethind electrical is probably shorted
Hello Renee- it sounds like although new your Alternator is defective- hopefully your Alternator is warrantied - so get whoever installed it to test & replace it again - this does happen sometimes with Alternators- hope this help- thanks Super Girls Auto.
Renee,
Unless this puddle was extremely deep (a couple of feet or more), I would say maybe you have a bad electrical connection somewhere. It also is possible that the new alternator is not good. I would suggest taking the vehicle to a qualified technician that can test the charging system.
Suzanne