1989 Suzuki Sidekick broke down; any help?

J

Joel G

New member
Hi!

My girlfriend's 1989 Suzuki Sidekick broke down on the freeway today (thank you, CalTrans FSP for the help) and I want to see if we can figure what's wrong with it.

Symptoms before breakdown: Loud squealing sound (we live on the fourth floor and I could hear when she would leave the driveway), shook a lot, difficult to accelerate above 55 MPH.

Symptoms after breakdown: Will not turn on, thumping sound when I do try and start it, and finally as I leave the key turned for it to start, it sounds like it's dying out.

Checked the belt (the one I could see) and it was brand new. Apparently, they just had it replaced a couple of weeks ago and when it came back from the shop, that's when the squealing sound started. Her dad apparently had his "personal mechanic" do the work.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Sounds like the alternator bearings seized up, or alt belt came loose. Remove alternator belt, ensure pulley spins easily/freely. If not, replace alternator... If ok, reinstall belt tightly, charge battery, start car, check battery voltage .... Should be 13-15v with engine running, should be 12.6v with engine off, with a good battery...

P.s. That thumping noise you hear when trying to start is the starter unsuccesfully engaging due to the batt being dead, remedy this first


EDIT: I should have asked... Does the engine crank over (wuh, wuh, wuh)? OR do the lights go dim and you hear a fast, repeated click/thump noise? If its the latter, follow my initial advice
 
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