97 kia sephia rs/after repair shop nightmare...help

stingray59 · 03-02-2008, 01:37 PM

3 weeks ago while driving at night I heard a squealing noise followed by a burning smell, then my dash lit up with all (battery,oil,etc.) the lights went dim but I made it roughly a mile to home. In the morning I checked under the hood to find the alt/water pump combo belt had broke.
I called a shop who picked up the car and called me to say the water pump broke & I should have the timing belt & other belts replaced while in there. (480.00)
Picked up car and got to gas station about 6 blocks away, wouldn't start,battery dead. Got a jump,went back to shop & was told "oh,yea,your alt.& starter are bad too. (I left)
I never had any problems with this car before the belt broke. I bought a new battery and I haven't driven it more than 2 days,battery dead again. Alt (battery) light coming on and all gets dim,then goes out and lights are full again on dash. Had alt tested at local alt shop says it's good, could be wiring.
Think alt was bad all along and water pump not really replaced?
any thoughts appreciated.

ron1004 · 03-02-2008, 02:17 PM

Welcome to the forum.

480 is not bad to pay for the belts and water pump replacement if this was in fact done - I'd find a service center that you can trust and ask them to confirm this.

With the engine running check that the alternator is charging and then stop the engine and check that the battery is holding a charge. The charging voltage should be around 13.8 ~ 14.2 Vdc.
Also check the battery terminals and the main connections including to the chassis.

If the car jump starts, then the starter is fine.

stingray59 · 03-02-2008, 05:56 PM

Thank you, I will Monday.