I had a problem this afternoon with my 95 SL1.


When I went to start it, it was dead. No sound at all from the starter. The clock on the radio was out, not lights etc. I boosted it with a friend and we got it running. After driving a hundred feet or so it died again. I boosted it a second time and that time when I touched the break pedal the engine cut out. The clock was reset each time I got it started.


When it was dead, the battery had about 11V, while it was running the battery had over 14. No signs of problems up until then. It was no colder than -5C at the time (20F) which is quite warm for what it has been.


It seems to be something electrical, but I don't think it could be the battery because it spontaneously dies when its running, and the last time I had alternator problems, I could tell it was dying by the battery light. Any ideas?

 

The battery has an internal short. The computer hiccups when the
voltage drops too low, that why the engine dies. If you keep
trying to drive it, you can melt the diodes in your alternator.



If you are not convinced, take the battery out and take it to an autoparts store and have them load test it for you.

 

+1.

Battery can no longer hold a charge. Alternator seems to be fine.