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Question

Issue with Alternator / Battery

Apr 28, 2016 10:33PM PDT

So I just got an issue with my car today, heres what went on:
I went to work not problem (1 km drive), car started.
During my lunch break, tried to take it out but it would not start after multiple attempts. Would basically just click repeatedly but not start.
Later on my last break, I managed to start on the first try.
Then at the end of the day, would not start again like during the lunch break.
So my collegue boosts my car and it works (YAY) and I manage to get home (1km).
What does it mean? I figured that my battery is dead and I need a new one, since my car would have stalled on the way back home if it was an alternator issue? Am I correct in thinking this? I was thinking of getting a new battery and changing it myself, but I'd spare myself the expense if its the alternator.

(If it helps at all, my car is a Mazda Tribute 2002).

Discussion is locked

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Answer
I'd say most likely the battery... but I can be wrong.
Apr 29, 2016 3:19PM PDT

One way to find out if the alternator is going south is to get your car started first and while the car is running, disconnect the negative terminal to your car battery. If your car doesn't stall, then it is most likely your battery that is the problem. If the alternator was bad your engine would die because it not generating enough juice to keep it running.

Also if your battery is more than 5+ years old, it's probably close to it's life expectancy especially if you do a lot of short trips around town.

I hope this helps!
-Lee

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Very helpfull!
Apr 29, 2016 9:54PM PDT

I'll try your trick in the morning to confirm but I'm almost sure its the battery now. Today around noon I managed to start 4 out of 4 times and a fifth time at midnight. When it did not start yesterday, it was a little cold (0/sub-0 temperature), and today was much warmer (+15 degres celsius). Started it again tonight but its a little cold as well (5 degres celsius), but I noticed all lights dimming and coming back as I switch certain things on/off in the car (Radio, headlights, etc.). Does that ring any bells? I just got the car so I'm not sure when the battery was last changed (apparently not long ago says the previous owner, but I doubt he's telling the truth) and no date on the battery either.

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Any success?
May 2, 2016 9:33AM PDT

The battery maybe just not fully charge... or simple near the end of it's life and barely holding a charge.

Let's hope it's not the alternator. Keep me posted.

Cheers,
-Lee