2000 Chevy Cavalier Battery Problem

2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
150,000 MILES • 4 CYL
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ERVERSTEEG
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This morning my car barely started. Once it was started I put it in reverse and tried to apply the brake. The brake was oddly hard to push down, but it was enough to stop the car at the end of the driveway. I then tried to turn the car onto the street but the power steering wasn't working. At that point I knew that something was wrong with the car and proceeded to bring the car back up into the driveway but the gas pedal wouldn't work! Finally I looked over at the panel and saw the check battery light was on.

A few hours later I went back to check on the car; it worked perfectly! Any ideas on what is wrong with my car?

Note: The alternator and battery were replaced about a month ago.

Thanks,
Eric
Dec 1, 2010 at 5:23 PM
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CARADIODOC
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Serpentine belt is slipping or there was ice on it that formed overnight after getting it wet while driving the day before.

caradiodoc
Dec 1, 2010 at 5:30 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Steering and brake problem have the Hydroboost unit checked out-Battery light on check the charging system
Dec 1, 2010 at 5:31 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Eric:
Check the belt to make sure it is tight. Also, check the vacuum hose to the brake booster.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Dec 1, 2010 at 5:32 PM
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ERVERSTEEG
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Serpentine belt doesn't appear to be slipping after a successful startup. However, I think Caradiodoc is correct in saying that it was caused by the belt slipping because it rained all of yesterday then dropped below freezing overnight.

Joe - Where is the vacuum hose to the brake booster?

Thanks.
Dec 1, 2010 at 6:02 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The brake booster is behind the master cylender. The hose runs to it from the intake. It will be about 3/4" in diameter.
Dec 2, 2010 at 12:30 AM