Can start and drive the car three times on the fourth time the car does not work

2001 SATURN SC1
2,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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HEATHER HUGGINS
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  • 3 POSTS
Okay, I describe my problem wrong the first time. If I unplug the battery negative battery terminal then hook it up again I can start and drive the car three times on the fourth time the car is dead. Is this the PCM module?
Apr 23, 2019 at 6:56 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome to 2CarPros.

When you say the car is dead, do you mean the battery is dead or the engine turns but will not start?

Let me know.

Joe
Apr 23, 2019 at 8:26 PM
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HEATHER HUGGINS
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I am guessing it is the battery and car? But shouldn't be the battery as bought a new one four days ago. Because of we unhook the neg cable for three to five minutes and hook it back up I can drive the car again for three times before it is dead again.
Apr 23, 2019 at 10:07 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Since the battery is new, I want you to do me a favor and check alternator output. It isn't hard to do at all. Follow this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Also, there really isn't one component that will shut it down, allow you to disconnect the battery, and then start three more times. Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Also, make sure they are not damaged. When I say clean and tight, make sure where the terminal and post meet, there is no corrosion. The battery should be clean since it is new, but the posts may not be.

Here is a link that shows how to use a voltmeter that will be needed for the alternator test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Apr 24, 2019 at 6:22 PM