ok, so 2 days ago I start my car after work, it stuggles as if the battery is almost dead, next day fine, but up comes the red triangle "!" Unfortunately I am over due on an oil change, and I'm at 173,000 probably over due on a chain? Anyway, tonight I was sitting in acc with radio on, it was throwing codes as if the battery was dying, barely started again and same triangle ! Comes up, so I'm wondering can a stretched chain even cause it to start as if the battery was dying? It drives normal still. My battery is over due as well most likely, can a dying battery throw these codes?? No warranty left and can't really afford a 2000$ chain right now hoping its something simpler, how long would it go before the chain breaks? I'm scared to drive it anywhere (to Mitsubishi) I don't want more damage than there already will be.

 

1. No, it is not the timing chain causing hard to start. Five years on an OEM/Panasonic battery is when I would be expecting it to begin to fail.
2. Timing chain is not a scheduled maintenance item. Only if you get a timing chain stretch code - then you change the chain.
3. Have the codes read and expect to replace either/both the battery and alternator. Find out which one before spending $$.
4. Change the oil and stay current with required maintenance. Skimp in others areas of your life - not this (if you can't afford a timing chain - how are you going to afford a rebuilt engine after this neglected one overheats and then fails? The timing chain (and turbo and other important bits) rely on a small passage for oil to pass through to stay lubed and cool. Dirty oil would clog those passages. How long have you neglected oil changes?

><

(I think of the Armour-All[tm] Commercial and the Viking: "YOU DON'T DESERVE THIS CAR!")