Ok I have to charge my battery because it goes dead, then when it is fully charged like after 2 days it goes dead again slowly. I have no clue what is could be. I do not know if it is the alternator or not.
2007-10-04 01:54:59 · 14 answers · asked by Anthony C 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
While your car is running, (shut off lights, radio, etc.) disconnect the positive battery cable, if the car dies it's probably the alternator, if it continues to run the battery isn't holding a charge...also check for loose or slipping alternator and serpentine belts, they should have less than a 1/2 inch slack...could also be the voltage regulator.
2007-10-04 02:39:07 · answer #1 · answered by sadie_oyes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you go to a garage and start testing the alternator check the tension of the belt. If the belt is too loose or too tight then it will slip stopping the alternator from charging the battery. If that's ok check the fluid level in the battery it should be just above the metal plates that you'll see inside, if it's low top it up with battery acid or as a cheaper alternative de-ionised water which you can pick up free from a pharmacy.
If the battery is ok then go the route of having your alternator checked. Instead of going to a garage to do it though go to an auto spares shop where you can buy a tester for approx £17 + VAT. It has LED's on it that will tell you the condition before you pay expensive money out to replace it.
2007-10-04 09:08:06 · answer #2 · answered by Michael K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either the battery isn't holding a charge as it should, or it isn't being charged fully when you drive the car. Also, you could have a parasitic battery drain. If the battery is over 4 years old, I would buy a new one. Drive to an auto parts store and get a free battery and charging system check.
2007-10-04 09:07:13 · answer #3 · answered by bobweb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some auto parts stores and some garages offer free testing of the batter and alternator. Take it in and have it LOAD tested. It is a special testing device that will test the battery and the alternator at the same time. If they come out to check it with a volt meter just walk away because it will only show the voltage on the battery and will not tell you if the alternator is working properly.
2007-10-04 09:01:07 · answer #4 · answered by remowlms 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just went thru a similar type situation this past week. Only I didn't have to charge my battery. But my battery light came on in my 1996 ford pickup one morning after taking the kids to school. Being cautious, I called my mechanic and he suggested the alternator. Also I noticed it was holding a lower charge then normal. I suggest you get it to a place such as Advance Auto, Pep Boys, etc... so they can run it on one of those diagnostic machines. They can pinpoint the real trouble. Good luck
2007-10-04 09:11:30 · answer #5 · answered by rich b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their are some pretty good tips above but everyone felled to mention the regulator. The alternator is always producing current when the engine is running. The regulator switches the current to the battery as it needs it. If it is stuck, the alternator's current cant recharge the battery.
2007-10-04 09:15:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if you have to charge your battery it could be a couple of things.
If you can have your car run for about 1 hr straight without shutting it off, just driving around and using the radio, and lights.
Your alternator is working just fine.
Replace your battery and clean terminal connections, and you will be just fine.
2007-10-04 09:40:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the battery. Sometimes a battery starts to degrade just enough to fail - Autozone or similar shops usually have a tester for this. Otherwise, check the alternator, the belt, and loose connections.
2007-10-04 08:59:28 · answer #8 · answered by Michael M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a light is staying on . Ck the trunk light , glove box light . If not one of those then you have something staying on all the time draining the battery. Find an auto electrical shop they should be able to sort out the problem.
2007-10-04 09:11:35 · answer #9 · answered by Boo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does sound like your alternator but could be other things as well.
I recommend taking your car to the local car parts store (Napa, O'reilley, Auto Zone, etc...) and have them test the alternator. Generally they will do this for a small fee, sometimes free depending on the store. Could be something as simple as the bushings have gone bad.
Good luck.
2007-10-04 08:59:36 · answer #10 · answered by Pat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋