Have to jump every start. Closer...

[kjewer1]

I wouldn't be surprised if you've actually fixed the problem, but the beating that the battery took in the meantime is causing your current problems. Batteries do not like to be fully discharged and recharged even several times, never mind the number of times yours has been. And constantly having to recharge the battery from next to nothing is a real quick way to kill an otherwise good alternator too. This is why so many people get stuck going in circles forever with charging system issues.

[david-b]

Originally Posted by kjewer1

I wouldn't be surprised if you've actually fixed the problem, but the beating that the battery took in the meantime is causing your current problems. Batteries do not like to be fully discharged and recharged even several times, never mind the number of times yours has been. And constantly having to recharge the battery from next to nothing is a real quick way to kill an otherwise good alternator too. This is why so many people get stuck going in circles forever with charging system issues.

So are you suggestion replacing both the alternator and the battery then? Just start from scratch on both sides of the system?

Don't rechargeable batteries like to be fully discharged and recharged as it makes use of the "whole" thing? Why wouldn't that be the same for car batteries?

[kjewer1]

Car batteries don't like to be fully discharged. Completely different technology than smaller rechargeables like nicads, etc. If the alternator isn't putting out too much voltage, I would start with just the battery. I think you said it was two years old already anyway...