What is wrong with my car? - 3

I have a 2012 ford focus sel. My check engine light is on. At first it was being jumpy from time to time but after pressing the gas for a second it was fine. Now everytime i get gas when i turn my car back on it won't start at first and the battery light is on. The second time it starts and the battery light goes away but my check emgine light is still on. And sometimes when i'm stopped the battery light comes on and it will stop. I have to turn it off and start it again. Then it runs fine. I got a new bettery not long ago but the first problem i was having with it being jumpy started before the new battery. What does it sounds like is wrong?

First check all connections to the battery and make sure there's no loose connections or corrosion. It could be your alternator going out though and having trouble keeping your battery charged.

Possibly the Alternator is failing. Take it to an auto parts store and have them read the computer for codes. That will give you a better idea of what the problem might be. They will usually do this for free.

Anon… That is just what I was thinking, the alt could be going bad but there's no way for us to be sure. Have it checked out.

Take it by a auto parts and have them ck. The charging system, i think you will find that the alternator is going out and not charging or is grounding out when its idling.

From your description the battery light is acting normally - it is off when the engine is running and on when it is not. There's nothing to fix there.

The question is what the check engine light is complaining about, and it is a good bet it is related to the jumpiness you are experiencing. I no longer recommend people have auto parts stores read their OBD codes. They can pull the codes as well as anybody else, and can tell you the code definition, but that is a long way from knowing what is going on. Most codes that mention an O2 sensor are not caused by a bad sensor but auto parts stores will sell you the sensor anyway.

The best approach is to take it to your mechanic. He will figure out what is going on more quickly (and inexpensively) than random parts guys will and he won't introduce new problems.

Check your oil

Look up "vapor lock," go to a different gas station. THEY HAVE TOO MUCH WATER IN THEIR GAS!
Put a bottle of HEAT from a gas station in the gas tank after you fill it up, or when it acts up if you HAVE to use the same gas station's gas.

My check engine light is on.
STEP ONE: Have the code(s) read. This will tell you what the onboard diagnostics are detecting. That doesn't actually diagnose the issue, but it DOES tell a decent mechanic where to START looking.

It sounds like you have several problems.

It sounds like your alternator is working intermittently. Bring your car to a local auto parts store and ask them to check your alternator and your charging system.

Bring your car to a local auto parts store and ask them if they will scan your computer to read your fault codes. That's what the "Check Engine" light means. Your computer has stored some fault codes. The light is on to tell you that. Find out what they are. Proceed from there.

These tests are generally free. Ask them first.

-Engine overhaul mechanic and general automotive mechanic since 1972

Hi so what do to is take it to a ford dealer.