Battery or alternator problem?
It started last week, i was parked listening to the radio for about 45 minutes, i tried to turn the car and it wouldn't, the lights were on, the radio was on but the car wouldn't turn on. I got a jump and it started right away. I went to two Auto Zone's and got two different answers #1 said i had a bad battery #2 made me turn on the car and said my battery was fine, so i left it at that.
Now today for lunch, same thing happens, after 45 minutes parked with the radio on, i felt the car/radio losing power, i tried to turn on the car but was not able to.
Does it sound like i have a battery or alternator problem?
Thnaks in advance.
2007-12-10 07:25:13 · 5 answers · asked by Lakers fan 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Aftering getting a jump last week, the car ran fine without any problems.
2007-12-10 07:38:23 · update #1
If it only happens after using the radio or other electronics on the car without running the engine, then it's most likely the battery.
However, before jumping to any conclusions, you should check at least two things:
1) If it's not a maintance free battery, check the battery water level. If it's low add distilled water.
2) Make certain that you are running your radio with the key in the accessory position, not the ON position. The ON position uses more power and will drain the battery faster.
If those things check out OK, then a battery replacement is probably neccessary. Have the autoparts store check the battery before purchasing a replacement.
FYI, running a car battery low on charge will severely limit the life of the battery. You might want to reconsider your use of your car's radio without the engine running.
2007-12-10 09:01:13 · answer #1 · answered by snake_slinger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that you have an alternator problem. I'm assuming that you are not running your car at idle for 45 minutes and that you are just parked with the motor off. Radios typically do not draw a lot of current, but 45 minutes is really a long time to draw power off your battery..Is the battery an original equipment battery?? If you intend to continue listening to your radio for extended periods of time, it' in your best interest to buy a different battery that has higher amperage to provide a better electrical cushion for your intended use. Not all batteries are the same.
2007-12-10 15:47:46 · answer #2 · answered by Robert M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most likely it's your battery. If it runs fine after it is started and you do not notice litghs dimming or loss of power while the car is operational, that 90 percent ofthe time it is not your alternator.
2007-12-10 15:35:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
battery - the battery is not holding its charge properly - although i could be wrong best way to tell is by running the engine and looking on the dash for the battery light if it is on the alternator/drive belt is at fault - if not its the battery
2007-12-10 15:34:37 · answer #4 · answered by Mark D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say and alternator issue. Did anyone test either part. I'd start there first before buying anything.
Good Luck.
2007-12-10 15:32:15 · answer #5 · answered by Nobody_Here 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋