Does this sound like a battery or alternator?

Question

I have a 2006 Nissan Altima and whenever I try to start my car the battery is dead. I can jump it each and every time, but once I shut it off, the batter is dead again. Does this sound like the battery? Alternator?....neither?

Yes, the car stays running for as long as it's on.

Thanks for all of your answers guys, beings it's a leased car, I'll probably take into the dealership on Monday. It's just that it's no fun not having any type of transport on a Saturday.

I may take the Autozone approach though. I'll be back to tell you what the answer was.

Answer 1

Battery.

Answer 2

Here is the test procedure for determining battery or alternator problem after requiring a jump start. Note, requires a voltmeter [$3.50 at Harbor Freight]
1] Check battery voltage on non-start vehicle. Will probably be under 12V. Verify good clean connections, look for cracked corroded or loose terminals.
2] Jump start. Note, always have the the jumper vehicle running when performing a jump start, sounds basic but I actually had a friend who argued it should not, meaning he would be jumping with less voltage & could strand both vehicles.
3] With jumper cables removed, check voltage at battery. It should be 12.8V to 13.4V. If below 12.8V the alternator or voltage regulator are suspect. If in the range, the battery is either dead, low on water or in need of a full charge. If over 13.4V the voltage regulator is not functioning properly.
4] Failing those problems, with the vehicle shut off & the doors closed, disconnect the battery ground cable, put a 12V test light between the battery negative & a known good ground. If it lights, something, like an interior or glovebox lamp is staying on.

Take your time, be methodical & good luck!

I was an ASE certified Technician & GNB Battery, customer service rep.

Answer 3

Alternator

Answer 4

IT sounds like when you shut off the car you have some kind of electrical running and witch runs the battery down but if you start the car and turn the head lights on you voltage Gage should stay around the 14 if it drops very low you may need too have the alternator checked out

Answer 5

A simple way to test the alternator is to start the car and disconnect the positive battery cable while the car is running(be careful to avoid the belt(s) and fan). If the car remains running the alternator is working.
You should still take the car to an auto parts store that offers free battery and alternator testing as your alternator or battery may not be performing properly.

Answer 6

positioned the audio equipment on a greater stand on my own battery and recharge it at night on your storage that way you are able to relish the music till at last battery is used up then if the battery is sufficiently enormous then it is going to final all day and you like no longer issue approximately no longer having your music, or no longer waiting to start the vehicle after a protracted trip. different answer is to have best a risk battery, your equipment will run off of the battery yet to maintain it charged up you will could plug the equipment up interior the storage to maintain the battery totally recharge, if the battery is going down on a protracted distance trip then you won't be waiting to start the vehicle, answer is to maintain a conveyable starter battery %. interior the vehicle to bounce the battery if so on occasion, you're able to verify the %. is stored charged up. Get best a risk battery and characteristic the regulator adjusted or replace so the comparable alternator will can charge the massive battery, with the help of no longer reducing off, it is going to take an authority to come to a decision this risk. probability is powerful that your present regulator interior the charging equipment is adjustable. Get a smaller 30 amp. amplifier you do no longer want 50 amps, that's undesirable for you listening to equipment any way, you are able to bypass def very directly.

Answer 7

okay leah the easiest way to find out is to drive your car to an autozone sorta store..they will hook up a diagnosis machine to check not only your battery..your alternator and your starter for "FREE"...

well just because your battery is jumped..had enough power to turn over the engine..perhaps play a cd..work lights etc..doesn't mean that it is capable of being fully recharged..
the cells inside could be totally damaged..

also your "leads" from the battery to the starter and it's ground could be corroded..which will prevent a battery from operating perfectly..use a wire brush and some coca cola..
disconnect the neg/black wire from the battery first..then disconnect the red/pos wire from the battery..then clean.
reconncet pos first neg last..

I added the part about cleaning up your leads cause I took my car to autozone for it's freebie test..the kid said that he wasn't getting any "reading" from my starter..
Most would assume that I needed a new starter etc..i mearly cleaned up it's positive and ground connections and hadn't had any problems in a whole year.

Basically what the guy will be doing is seeing if the battery is properly charged...if the alternator and starter are giving off proper amperage..

I suspect that your battery is your problem..especially if the person jumping your car doesn't know what they are doing...improper procedures during a jump can actually ruin the battery's cells ability to recharge

Answer 8

Best way to check is to test the alternator it should be putting out at least 14.0v, next test your battery with a hygrometer to test the specific gravity of the acid the markings on it will indicate a bad cell. Check and clean battery terminals and ensure a good earth at both ends, also check that your fan belt is in good order and adjust if needed. If all else fails seek out a good auto electrician.

Answer 9

Your battery is bad. Or maybe the cables. If the car stays running after the jump, Then the alternator is good.

Answer 10

go to auto zone or adv auto and ask for a free battery test this will tell you if your battery is being charged or if the battery is no good; also check to see if the battery has any water in it this to can cause you trouble . I want to say if yuo alt light does not lite up its a good thing its your battery, and please do not buy a cheap battery but a mid price battery ( 60.00 or so ) this will have good amp turn over ;will need this for winter time if you live wher it get cold or snows