BDD

Last week, my LS wouldn't start and needed a jump-start. Was fine for the past 4 days. Then today (Sunday) it wouldn't start again. As if overnight the battery was being drained.

I have Googled this and some say it might be the BCM or a bad diode in the alternator. Comments? Suggestions?

Was fine all of last year. And it was almost -20C here in Toronto in December. No hesitations in starting up my car then.

Annyoying. Other than that I have no complains.

nauticstar87

I'd say either bad alternator or bad battery

BDD

It's looking like possibly a bad alternator more than bad battery as the battery was checked Nov 09. Had my LS tuned then.

As I said, I had it jump-started on Tuesday. Ran for the past 4 days. Stopped running today. Definitely sounds like something is draining the battery overnight. Was fine all of 09. See here...

http://www.justanswer.com/questions/...rged-it-tested

So bloody annoying! Will need to get my car jump-started again tomorrow morning then take it to the shop.

nauticstar87

I don't know about Canada, but I'm sure ya'll have auto parts stores like Autozone, Most will test your Alternator for free.

BDD

I think we do have AutoZone shops. Will keep them in mind. Though, I already know a repair shop owner. Friend of my sister's. Just a matter of scheduling a time. Hopefully tomorrow.

Do you know how much an Impala alternator would run me? Roughly? Assuming mine has a faulty diode.

nauticstar87

Around $270 give or take with a core. That seems high to me, but thats what a the Autozone web site told me for my area. What engine due you have?

BDD

I have a 3.5L V6. I Googled and I think I saw some for around $100.00. See here...

http://www.partstrain.com/store/inde...Ntt=Alternator

But that is in US$. So up here I'm guessing a new one would run me anywhere between $150-200.00 CAD. Might find out tomorrow when I call the shop I usually frequent. So damn annoying. Otherwise this is a good car (for the money).

And on the Autozone.com site my alternator would be $270 US. Yes that is a bit on the high side.

nauticstar87

That's the engine I looked up. Shop around. Personally I hate Autozone, but the free stuff they do and their Website is pretty good.

BDD

I have a general idea already. At least as far as US$ is concerned. Shouldn't cost me that much more here. Plus, as I said, I know one of the co-owners of a respected repair garage. Had my car tuned up there a few months ago.

Thanks for your help.