battery or alternator??

[tmorales509]

Well my car is dead every morning when i go to start it, The first time it was dead i charged it up and started it to let it run for awhile. And from there it ran and started for 2 days straight, but again today it was dead. the only thing i tested was the voltage. Which was 12.6 with the car off and 14.6 with the car on w/ headlights, heater and door open. The alt. is about 3 yrs and 2 months old. the battery is about 2 1/2 yrs old. The battery looks a little beat up, lol it always has corrosion on the positive and always a little wet around the water holes as if the water is leaking a little. Which i did check and there was still water in it and i added just a little more to be sure. So what do u guys think? Any help is appreciated, ty.

[mtcookson]

Sounds like the alternator is working fine if it is pumping out 14.6 volts. The battery could well be on its way out. Had one recently that would not hold a charge. I could get maybe one start out of it and if I rolled the window down or something it would die. That's probably your best bet.

Also, did you add distilled water or tap water? Tap water will screw it up, causing the battery to discharge faster due to the minerals in the water.

[tmorales509]

ty, yes i added distilled water. Ya i kinda thought it might be the batt. too. But do u think i should take my alt. in to have it tested just to be sure. I think the local shop only charges a couple bucks to test it.

[Jiggyfry]

If it's only a few bucks then get it checked out to see how many Amps it's putting out for peace of mind. Does sound like the Batt though.

[Sentientbydesign]

Those little felt "rings" that go around the battery terminals work wonders in keeping corrosion to a minimum.

You could also have a short somewhere.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Sound like the battery puts out but will it & howlong does it take to charge on a battery charger?

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Be careful not to overfill the battery

I might be bubbling over if too full (wet on top?)

[tmorales509]

Sound like the battery puts out but will it.

not sure what that means. But to charge it it takes about 10-15minutes.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Sounds like the battery is charging ok.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Might have a short somewhere

When my wife made me mad I asked her to get in thetrunk and see if the trunk courtesy light was on afteri shut it

[maxhopper]

When my wife made me mad I asked her to get in thetrunk and see if the trunk courtesy light was on afteri shut it

Thank you, I need a good laugh. I'll have to remember that one.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

You need a multimeter and directions on how to diagnose if youhave an open circuit

You will need to check resistance, voltage etc and need a helperto pull one fuse at a time while you work the multimeter.