Do I need a new alternator or did I receive a defective battery?

Question

I have a 1998 Ford Escort ZX2. When I tried to start my car, the car "clicked" but the engine did not start. The lights were working and the radio also worked, but the clock and preset stations had been reset. My battery was 15months old. I returned that battery and put in a new one. Everything appeared to be working fine. One week later the same thing happened and I had to get a jump to get my car started. My batteries were "no name" ones purchased from Sam's Club/Walmart. Do you think I've received two defective batteries or is my alternator at fault?

Answer 1

Going by the symptom you describe, I would be prepared to agree that your alternator has failed. But, this should be verified first by performing an AVR test, just as stated by the other posts. If the alternator does require replacement, I would not recommend you attempt to replace it yourself however. It is in and IGNORANT spot, which requires engine mount removal to access. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

It is very possible that your alternator is bad since this is the entity that keeps your battery charged. The other possibility is that you may have a situation where your battery is being drained by faulty wiring somewhere, or some device that is remaining on after the car is turned off. Having the alternator checked is rather easy for someone who knows what they are doing. You can do a quick check yourself. Start the car then disconnect one of the battery leads from the battery. If the car stalls, chances are the alternator is bad. If not, I would start looking for another problem. Have you recently added any accessories such as an alarm or stereo system?? Sometimes these items are wired incorrectly and wind up causing a mess of problems.

Answer 3

You must be one of those car owners who just love wasting their money....lol. First thing was to check all connections for tightness and corrosion. Second would be to have a technician check the system to see if the alternator was putting out the proper voltage.

It's usually much cheaper to have someone diagnose the problem rather than just guess and start replacing parts.

FYI: Sounds like you probably needed a new alternator not a battery!

Answer 4

i worked as a receptionist for a man who rebuilt alternators and starter and that is what it sounds like it will keep draining you batteries and then soon enough it won't wok at all. so dont keep buying batteries until you have you alternator tested it is only a few bucks and some places dont charge anything if that is what it is good luck. by the way a new alternator isnt jeep maybe get a rebuilt on or one from a junk yard.

Answer 5

If you're experiencing electrical charging issues, it can normally be narrowed down to either a component (alternator, battery, or voltage regulator) or wiring (corroded cables, insufficient ground or short circuit in the charging system).

With engine running, a quick & easy way to see if the alternator is charging is to hold a metal screwdriver to the back/center of the alternator. If you feel a magnetic pull, the alternator is charging and you can begin looking elsewhere. If there's no magnetic pull, there's no charge being generated, and the alternator is your culprit.

Answer 6

There is no way to know without an alternator check. A simple test can be done by putting a voltmeter across the battery terminal. You might also check for corroded battery terminals.

Answer 7

pulll the positvie cable off while car is running if car dies its probely the alternator other wise the battery could be shot i bought 2 sam club batteries in 3 years interstate all the way for me now

Answer 8

Only way to know for sure, have the alternator tested.

Answer 9

check the ashtray