Went to start my car today and nothing when I turned the key so I jumped it thinking I had just left an interior light or something on. When driving if I hit the high beams it would make the radio shut off briefly and then when I turned it off after driving 30mins the car was dead and needed to be jumped again. Is this a bad altenator or do you think the battery just needs to be replaced. Any light you guys can shed on this will be appreciated.

 

I'd say go check if there are bad cells in the battery first... battery replacement $$$ much less than alternator replacement $$$.

Good luck. I just recently had issues w/my old battery and had to get it replaced. Damn thing wouldnt start the car and just kept making a clicky noice whenever it tried to turn over.

everytime I had it jumped, it felt funny when driving and all the lights in the console were on

-Alex

 

sounds like your battery. I've lost both, if it was your alternator, you'd have way more problems. Have a carparts store check your bat output before they put the new one in, but that should fix your problem.

 

or check your ground from battery to body. and check the battery posts, and make sure they are tight.

 

Thanks guys it was the battery good as new now

 

Glad it was an easy fix, now get back on the roads!

 

Be aware that if you have a faulty regulator, your new battery will go to shit qwuick. Hove the alternator tested for wave pattern. If it is steady, you are good, if it is jumpy and not putting out enough volts, your new battery will get bent over like your old one was.