Yesterday I took the car out, went into the store, came out and the car wouldn't start. (No, no lights were left on, I checked.) Nothing happened at all, some lights came on inside and then dimmed right away. I tried to get a jump and couldn't, and it seemed to be because of the corrosion on the battery. I got some help cleaning it off and connected the battery again. This time it took the jump and I was able to drive it home, letting it run for a bit before shutting it off. This morning I go out to start it up, same thing happens-- dashboard lights light up, starter clicks a bit, but nothing else happens.
Is this just a dead battery (I think it is about 5 years old and was pretty corroded before it got cleaned off), or could it be a problem with the alternator, and how can I tell? I'll be taking it somewhere to have it looked at eventually, but since I'll need a jump start to get it there, I can't really go anywhere yet so I'm trying to get an idea of what I should expect.
2007-09-10 07:47:37 · 4 answers · asked by Mia 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Take it to Auto Zone or Advanced Auto if possible. They can test for the problem (for free). If the battery hasn't been changed in 5 years, try changing that out. If it still doesn't work, it is your alternator. The battery tends to get drained when the alternator requires an extra boost.
2007-09-10 07:56:57 · answer #1 · answered by bonstermonster20 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a battery with planned obsolescence.
Battery manufacturers know that over time battery acid deteriorates certain types of metal parts inside a battery, so they make critical internal components out of that material knowing that shortly after the warranty expires, the battery will self-destruct.
That's why when you buy a battery, always compare warranties and buy the longest warranty for the least money and be sure to keep the receipt and warranty paperwork in a ziplock baggy in your glove box.
Then when (not if) your battery doesn't work, simply drive to the place where you got it and get another battery and take advantage of the warranty if it's not expired yet. If it's expired, don't buy that brand again.
I've been doing this ever since I discovered the scam, and I just know I'll always be paying so much per year for each year of the battery warranty.
There's no way around it.
.
2007-09-10 08:06:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Battery Or Alternator
2016-09-28 13:55:45 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Car won't start-- dead battery or alternator?
Yesterday I took the car out, went into the store, came out and the car wouldn't start. (No, no lights were left on, I checked.) Nothing happened at all, some lights came on inside and then dimmed right away. I tried to get a jump and couldn't, and it seemed to be because of the corrosion...
2015-08-05 22:06:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be either one. If your alternator is out, it will drain the battery, so it is possible that you will have to replace both.
A mechanic will be able to test your alternator. Make sure this happens. Because if they just assume it's your battery, you could ruin a second one before they look at your alternator.
2007-09-10 07:56:48 · answer #5 · answered by Matics101 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally speaking an OEM battery life expectancy is 5 yrs. or less. A simple volt meter test will tell you what the state of charge is in the battery. A fully charged battery should test 12.5 volts with the motor off. 13.5 - 14.0 volts with it running. If you don't see 13.5 -14.0 volts while the engine is running the alternator is suspect.
From your description your cables should be soaked in baking soda/water mix paste to get rid of the blue / green / white crust. They should be brushed and coated with battery terminal coat or spray before connecting to a fresh new battery.
2007-09-10 07:59:20 · answer #6 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be both. When your car is running, the power comes from the alternater. The battery only serves to start the car.
I would replace the battery since it is 5 years old. You can test your alternator by doing the following:
While your car is running, unhook the positive side of the battery, if your car continues to run, the alternator is not the problem, if the engines dies when you unhook the battery then the alternator is the problem.
2007-09-10 08:08:32 · answer #7 · answered by ckcool192000 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
1
2017-03-05 04:58:23 · answer #8 · answered by Fedele 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋