93 Buick Century 3.3L, funny start

[gir484]

My alternator died, and I replaced it. I had it checked at autozone and said it was dead so I got one and put it in, no biggie. But once before that, on a cold startup, I turned the key and got 3 clicks and then it fired. Once it is warm it doesn't seem to do it, but its scary. I thought it was a alternator, but I replaced it and had my job checked, its pumping the appropriate number of amps. AKA I replaced the alternator and its still doing the 3 - clicks. And the car lights dim when i hit my brakes. I was told it could be a bad ground, and to clean the terminals, I haven't gotten to that yet, but what else could it be? Any help would be much appreciated.

[GTP Dad]

Check the connection at the alternator and make sure it is clean and making good contact. Clean both battery terminals and check the grounds. You may have drained the battery too far and it is taking a second or two to provide power. Have the battery properly recharged using a charger. Once you do this your problem should go away although if the battery is too far gone you may have to replace it.

[94century]

also check the battery connection on the starter solenoid, make sure it is clean and tight.

[gir484]

Thank you! It was the battery! Starts fine now!