Battery Vs. Alternator

PhxGuy623 · #1 12-19-2001, 10:15 AM

I am pretty sure my 99 Civic has either a bad battery or a bad alternator. Can anyone tell me if there are any test I can do without special tools to tell which one is the problems.

Thanks in advance.:smoker2:

Polygon · #2 12-19-2001, 10:32 AM

Try jump starting it. If that won't get it to kick over. I would suspect the alternator. They can also test that kind of stuff at Checker Auto parts.

PhxGuy623 · #3 12-19-2001, 10:48 AM

Thanks for the reply. I am just very mechanically challenged. (too put it nicely). Also one thing i forgot is that i put a charger on it when it wouldn't start. It started, but everytime i got to a stoplight the car would act like it wanted to stall. So i went home and just let it idle in my driveway to see if it would actually stall (it stayed running). It has never done that before, it has run like a dream until yesterday. Once I turned off the car even after trying to charge the battery again it would not start.

So last night i got a new battery, and tried to start it. It still would not start. I noticed that when i put the charger on the new battery, the battery was almost drained. Do you know if a bad alternator would drain a battery with just a couple turns of the key?

Polygon · #4 12-19-2001, 02:56 PM

The alternator can. It sounds like the alternator is not keeping the batter charged. It sounds like it is a bad alternator.

PhxGuy623 · #5 12-19-2001, 03:09 PM

Well since you where nice enough to respond i thought i would let you know that it turned out to be bad battery. After i replaced the battery i guess the stock alarm turns on the starter kill. Once i hit my alarm (on accident) it started right up.

I really appreciate your help. Have a great holiday!

Polygon · #6 12-20-2001, 03:07 PM

WOW! That was interesting. Funny alarm.

Sure no problem, anytime.

LeGoLaS · #7 01-24-2002, 11:57 PM

hello, I was kinda having the same problem.

I put a brand new battery in my car, and when i turn the key all i hear is clicking, my car doesnt even try to turn over. I got a friend to jump my car and it worked, so i just let the car run. but then the car died in about 3 minutes. the the car wouldnt start again, i had the alternator replaced 2 years ago. so i hope it isnt the problem,

THANK YOU

SaabJohan · #8 01-25-2002, 11:19 AM

Was the battery charged when delivered?

LeGoLaS · #9 01-27-2002, 01:20 AM

Yep the battery was charged,
could the problem be that my battery cables arent allowing enough current to pass threw them. They were fairly dirty so i cleaned the ends and a few wires came off. i dont have enough cable to cut it back for new clean cable so i just reattached with what i had. I am gonna replace the corroded cable when it gets a little warmer outside. But could that be my problem?
Thanks for the help

SaabJohan · #10 01-27-2002, 07:13 PM

It is possible yes.

Andre the Giant · #11 01-28-2002, 11:42 AM

Remember, places like AutoZone will test the alternator for free. All you have to do is remove it...(usually a simple task of removing a couple of bolts) then take it into the store. I would assume that other auto parts stores would provide this service as well. (Sears, NAPA, etc.)

Good Luck!

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