Help! Something's wrong.....

[Island Solara]

Here goes...

A few weeks ago my battery died, so I had it checked & it was in fact dead. So, I purchased a brand new one. My car started up fine, but I noticed when I turn on my interior lights or headlights, they flicker. Not a lot, but noticeable.

Then about a week or so later, when I tried to start the car, all I hear is click and nothing! Everything just dies & car won't start. So, I use my gf's car to jump start my car and it worked. It runs, I can drive it around, but every time I turn the car off and try to start it up again, same thing happens....click and everything's dead.

Next thing I had done is have my alternator checked and yup it was time to change it. So, I purchase one and change it myself. My car works fine for about 2 weeks. Then just today same thing happens!! Now what? Anybody had this happen to them before or know what could be wrong with my car? I'm thinkin' the new battery might be dead since I changed the alternator after I had the new battery installed. I will have it charged tomorrow and see what happens from there.

Oh and sorry for not contributing more to forum. I have been slacking and will start to do so in the future. Thanks in advace!

[99BlackSandv6]

Sorry about your luck, sounds to me like you're on the right
track. Keep checking the battery. I figure that's the weak link.
Hopefully the alternator you got was good. It would suck to
have to replace that twice. Make sure that no lights or anything like that stay on when the car is off.
Anyway, good luck.

[trentmeyer23]

Either something is draining a sh*tload of power or the alternator isnt charging...possibly bad earth. Do you by any chance have a big sound system?

[yaddadaimsayin]

actually after i installed my HIDs I kept having that problem too. it was pissing me off. the car felt kinda weak and i'd have to jump start it everytime. found out later that my battery wasn't screwed in tight enough. i took it back out, set it in, retightend everything and i haven't had that problem again. might be something to check before spending anymore money. GL.

[solara90]

if you have a DMM some easy things to check for are parasitic draw (or battery drain while car is off) remove your positive cable and put one test lead to the positive terminal and other to positive cable. I'm not sure what the reading should be off hand but if its a high reading start pulling fuses until you find the culprit thats draining the battery.

You can also do a quick check to see if your alternator is charging properly. Fire up your car and connect the DMM to the battery and it should read something in the 14v range. If not check wiring from alternator to battery for loose or corroded terminals etc.

[Island Solara]

Either something is draining a sh*tload of power or the alternator isnt charging...possibly bad earth. Do you by any chance have a big sound system?

Nah, I don't have a sound system.....yet. I'm holding off on that for now. You might be right that somethin could be draining my battery, but I'm not an expert so I'm probabaly gonna have a mechanic (my uncle) take a look at it when he has time. Thanks!

[Island Solara]

Sorry about your luck, sounds to me like you're on the right
track. Keep checking the battery. I figure that's the weak link.
Hopefully the alternator you got was good. It would suck to
have to replace that twice. Make sure that no lights or anything like that stay on when the car is off.
Anyway, good luck.

I'm planning on charging my battery today....if my gf's dad can find the charger. I'll keep you guys updated on what I find.

[Island Solara]

actually after i installed my HIDs I kept having that problem too. it was pissing me off. the car felt kinda weak and i'd have to jump start it everytime. found out later that my battery wasn't screwed in tight enough. i took it back out, set it in, retightend everything and i haven't had that problem again. might be something to check before spending anymore money. GL.

Actually, I had my battery terminals changed about 2 years ago, I'll have those checked out also. The stock ones were all corroded.....good point.

[Island Solara]

if you have a DMM some easy things to check for are parasitic draw (or battery drain while car is off) remove your positive cable and put one test lead to the positive terminal and other to positive cable. I'm not sure what the reading should be off hand but if its a high reading start pulling fuses until you find the culprit thats draining the battery.

You can also do a quick check to see if your alternator is charging properly. Fire up your car and connect the DMM to the battery and it should read something in the 14v range. If not check wiring from alternator to battery for loose or corroded terminals etc.

DMM = mulitimeter? Sorry, I'm not too good with acronyms. I'll give this a try maybe in a few days.

[solara90]

sorry about that i could of been more clear. DMM digital multi meter

[Island Solara]

sorry about that i could of been more clear. DMM digital multi meter

haha it's ok thanks!