BATTERY

[fsbaksh82]

Hey
My car wouldn't start. I had to get it jump started and it started afterwards. I was parked and had the cd playing and the emergency lights blinking for about 30 minutes, engine was off. Did the emergency lights and cd player kill the battery? Is this a sign that the battery needs to be replaced? I bought the car with 135000 miles with that battery. Its been two years and now up to 160000 miles. I replaced the alternator and starter about 1.5 years ago. There were no warning lights (battery and brake light). Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[Ziggy1621]

Shouldn't kill it that quickly. If you replaced the alternator a couple years ago cause it was bad, it definitely could have let the battery run down too low a few times. Probably wouldn't hurt to replace it.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

You should use a multimeter to check the output of the alternator
Make sure your alternator belt is tight too

[loystock]

Lead-acid batteries last for 3 years or more, depending on location and usage. A fully charged battery must read 12.6VDC or higher. A battery with 12VDC or lower is basically 'dead' and useless. With engine running, the alternator charging voltage should be greater than 13.8 VDC (spec is 14.1-14.7 VDC). Check/clean your battery connectors as well as the battery and alternator cables/wiring for corrosion, short circuit, etc.