SureTrack Real Fix: Tighten Your Belt

While a loose alternator belt won’t directly cause a no-start condition, it could cause a battery to not have enough juice to start the car. Follow this Real Fix to see how this non-starting Mitsubishi was diagnosed and repaired.

Vehicle
1994 Mitsubishi Galant ES 2.4L

Title
Engine Does Not Start And Battery Light On, Tightened Drive Belt Tensioner

Complaint
The customer states the engine does not start and the battery light is on.

Cause
Confirmed the customer’s complaint and found the engine did not start and the battery light was on. Used a multi-meter to measure the voltage across the battery terminals and found the measured voltage was below the specified range. Used a battery charger to charge the battery and found the vehicle started once the battery was charged. Used a battery conductance tester to test the battery and found the battery was able to conduct the specified amount of current, which verified it operated properly. Used an alternator load tester to test the alternator by placing the battery under load, raised the engine speed to 2,500 RPM and found the measured alternator output was below the specified minimum amperage of 52.5 Amps. With the engine at 2,500 RPM, used the multi-meter to measure the voltage across the battery terminals and found the measured voltage was below the specified range. Performed a visual inspection of the alternator and found the drive belt was loose. Performed a visual inspection of the drive belt and found no obvious faults. Performed a visual inspection of the drive belt tensioner and found the drive belt tensioner was loose.

Correction
Tightened the drive belt tensioner, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. The customer’s concern did not return.