Bought a new car battery last night because the battery was rather old and the car wasnt starting. Walmart couldnt test the old battery because of damaged parts. Now this mornign when i get up the car doesnt even have enough power to turn the accesories on. What is going on? is something draining my battery? or do i need a new alternator? i dont know what to do
2006-09-26 01:33:26 · 12 answers · asked by Sonaria17 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If you bought a battery at Wal-Mart it's possible that the battery didn't have a full charge on it when you purchased it. If it was good, then you have something taking a major draw from it.It could be anything from a short in the starter to a wire rubbed bare and touching a body panel somewhere. The alternator doesn't affect the starting of a vehicle, unless there is a short in it draining the battery. Both the alternator and battery can be taken to a local AutoZone for testing. Better if they are off of the car, since you already know that there is a problem with the electrical system and want to isolate it. If both of these components check out OK, then you need to take the car to a shop, unless you are good with a meter, and have them chase down the problem.
2006-09-26 01:43:59 · answer #1 · answered by ' 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There could be several problems here.
First, have someone, if you can't yourself, check for loose connections at the terminal. There are times when a new battery is installed that the cables don't get tightened enough and on the way home they shake loose thus causing the car not to start.
Second, What "parts" were damaged?" That could have been your problem to start with and you didn't need a new battery. It's hard to believe that Wal-Mart sold you a battery without trying to find out the problem. If they were smart enough to tell you something was damaged, they should have been smart enough to tell you more.
The third possibility is that you have a MAJOR electrical short in your vehicle. This one will take longer to find but can do the most damage. IT WILL CAUSE YOUR CAR TO CATCH FIRE!!!!!
Autozone, Pep Boys or any respectable repair shop can test your battery and your alternator and a lot of them will do it for free. But you need to get the problem taken care of ASAP because you'll keep buying batteries or worse, loose your car in a fire or something
Hope this helps.
2006-09-26 02:15:56 · answer #2 · answered by safebear 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me like you have a short circuit somewhere, or maybe left an interior light on, or something like that.
If the alternator was duff, you would have had an ignition light showing when you drove home, so something has drained the battery while the car was standing. Is the radio fitted to definitely turn off with the ignition?
Are there any damaged wires which could cause a short circuit?
I don't think its either battery, or alternator.
2006-09-26 01:47:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sometimes batterys have been setting on a self and lose their charge. but once recharged maintain a charge as it regulary would. so just boost it off or charge the battery for an hour or so. or care it back and tell them your new battery is dead.
if your alternator is bad it will turn a dash light on or you may have a guage and it should read over 14 volts.
most parts stores should have a way to check your battery and alternator to see if they are good are bad. they can do this while it is still on the car.
2006-09-26 01:44:15 · answer #4 · answered by JUSTIN H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your lights are not on then it may be your alternator but if they come on then you may just need a jump and drive around for a couple of hours and let your battery charge up
2006-09-26 01:44:19 · answer #5 · answered by T G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its the alternator.
2006-09-26 01:42:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have connected the new car battery. Make sure all the cables, the positive and the negative(ground) are properly connected and tightened. or if, it wont start still then check the
starter motor if it still functioning right.
2006-09-26 01:48:13 · answer #7 · answered by dodadz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Father's car had same problem. Found glovebox light switch not shutting light. Noticed it one night by accident. Had been looked at by mechanics unable to solve problem. Problem fixed by making glovebox door close more tightly. No more dead battery!
Or you can remove glove box light.
2006-09-26 01:49:31 · answer #8 · answered by jerseygal 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you need an alternator
2006-09-26 01:42:47 · answer #9 · answered by skm 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sounds like the battery needs to be charged something is sucking the juice out of it. interior light left on or something.
2006-09-26 01:42:18 · answer #10 · answered by c0mplicated_s0ul 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋