I have to jump my car everyday.
2003 Saturn Ion v2.3/3 I think. Fuck ton of miles on it. Old Faithful type.
Recently replaced starter (Summer 2025).
Winter came and I started needing a jump in the morning unless I do 30+ minutes of highway driving the day before, but I only drive short distances most of the time.
Replaced battery (~January) and it started great for 2 weeks then the problem came back. I was also driving a lot at that time.
Recently if I don’t drive for a day, it needs to be connected to an external battery for 5-10 minutes before I can get it started and then only needs its usual jump in mornings, I use a battery pack and it’s worked perfectly well but the issue persists.
Dad is suspecting voltage regulator in the alternator, I was convinced it’s the alternator. Just got the alternator and battery checked and they both were “good” and the screen said “pass”.
It seems to start on its own periodically when we get warm days, but usually it still needs a jump on warm days.
Once it’s started, it runs perfectly fine, I’ve never had it turn off while driving and this has now been going on for months so if something was gonna go, I feel like it would’ve.
I don’t use interior lights or use my car to charge my phone. I don’t have a radio system, I rarely even use my exterior lights since I don’t drive at night.
I’m poor rn so I would prefer to fix it than get a new car… please advise me, mechanical friends. Thank you