Alternator problems?

[Danimal420]

I recently went to start my truck and nothing happened. Not even a click from the starter. I suspected that my battey was Dead. So I jumped the truck and it started right up. I disconnected the jumper cables and let the truck run for about 5 minutes. I shut the truck off then tried to restart it. Nothing happened. The starter turned over once then nothing. Does this mean my alternator is dead? If so can I fix it myself or should I let a pro do it? The most I have ever done is changed my radiator and given my truck oil changes. I have some tools but not many. Thanks!

[Brian R.]

Probably it's your battery

[VTISC007]

Take the battery to the auto parts store, they could check if the it's bad. It wouldn't hurt to get two opinions from two different auto parts places.

[Danimal420]

Thanks I am on my way battery in hand.

[FastNBody2002]

It could possibly be your battery cable. If the positive cable is somehow (I know there's a lot of wiring under the hood) grounding out, it could take away the life of a battery in minutes. Testing the battery is a good idea, but it could be other things. If you end up needing parts, I've always had luck here: www.genuineoem.com I typically use OEM replacement parts in my car b/c of past bad experiences I've had at no name parts stores. I hope this helps...

[forest_grump]

Originally Posted by FastNBody2002

It could possibly be your battery cable. If the positive cable is somehow (I know there's a lot of wiring under the hood) grounding out, it could take away the life of a battery in minutes. Testing the battery is a good idea, but it could be other things. If you end up needing parts, I've always had luck here: www.genuineoem.com I typically use OEM replacement parts in my car b/c of past bad experiences I've had at no name parts stores. I hope this helps...

I have seen quite often where a battery cable will corrode and break down inside of cable end as well causing you to have no power or a loud click heard as you try and start it as all lights and power to go dead....if such is the case just replace the cable end by cutting old one off and cutting insulation back about a half inch and stick in a parts house cable end (about 2 bucks) tighten down plate over bare cable wire inside cable end and install back on battery post...goodluck.