Had to jumpstart car this AM, bought new battery. Seven hours later had to jump start again. What's wrong?

Question

Car is a 1992 Dodge Daytona. Drove it for 1.5 hours right after getting new battery. Then left it for 4 hours in a parking lot. Battery and alternator gauge in car look fine.

Answer 1

Parasitic drain...

Answer 2

Your battery is probably fine. Sounds like the alternator, or more specifically, the voltage regulator (which is probably internal to the alternator) is bad. Go to a large chain auto parts store such as Discount Auto Parts and they will test it for free.

If that is not the case, then I would suggest a short in the wiring somewhere is draining the battery. The first place to look would be where the tail lights connect inside the back of the trunk. Because we abuse our trunks so badly with shifting items, and due to minor bumper action, this is usually the first place wires short against the grounded body of the car.

Answer 3

If your alternator is charging fine, then you have either a constant drain from some light or other device, OR you have a live short somewhere in the car. component drains can be found fairly easily with a multimeter, but live shorts can be anywhere in the wiring throughout the vehicle...have a qualified mechanic do some testing...

Answer 4

You probably have a bad alternator. Take/get it to mechanic or Autozone, Advance Auto or Pep Boys have them check the alternator. Could be a loose belt or maybe a pulley is stuck or broke or maybe even a wire is off or broke. What ever it is it probably isn't serious, just a pain in the neck until you figure it out.

Answer 5

What is wrong is that you assumed the battery was bad without testing or diagnosing the battery AND charging system properly. Do Not make the same mistake twice. Get it to a shop and have it diagnosed first and THEN fix it accordingly.

Answer 6

And the answer is: Alternator, don't trust "dummy" lights.

Answer 7

Alternator is probably dying.