how to know if your battery is bad or alternator?
47162
However, a very simple way to check if the alternator is working is to run the car and disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If the vehicle stops running, then you probably have a bad alternator. You can also examine your interior and dashboard lights.
183839
A battery test is easy to perform and can be done at home. First, open the hood and start the car. While the engine is running, remove the negative cable from the battery. If the vehicle stalls or dies, the alternator is likely bad.
985969
Diagnosing a dead battery versus a dead alternator is relatively easy. Simply jump-start your car and then remove the jumper cables as quickly as possible. Then wait. If the alternator is failing to charge the system, the car will soon die again and you've pinpointed the problem.
950675
["Dim headlights. If your car battery is failing, it's not going to be able to fully power your vehicle's electrical components – including your headlights. ... ", 'Clicking sound when you turn the key. ... ', 'Slow crank. ... ', 'Needing to press on the gas pedal to start. ... ', 'Backfiring.']
232951
If you jump start your car and it will start, but the engine dies right after the jump then it is most likely the alternator. (Note: Do not try to test the alternator by removing the negative battery cable with the engine running.
880532
['Slow engine crank. ... ', 'Clicking sound when turning the key. ... ', 'Dim headlights. ... ', 'Problems with electrical components. ... ', 'Dashboard warning light illuminated. ... ', 'The battery case is swollen.']
446324
2. Look for the Warning Signs of a Dying Battery: You might notice that when you turn the ignition key, the engine cranks slowly. This could be a sign that your battery is about to die, Mazor says. Another telltale sign is to turn on the headlights when the engine isn't running, he says.
18944
["Dashboard Lights. One of the most obvious bad battery signs is a warning light on the car's dashboard. ... ", 'Old Battery. ... ', 'Slow Start. ... ', 'Bulging Battery Case. ... ', 'Odd Smell. ... ', 'Electrical Issues.']
1475639
A dead car battery is the first sign that something might be wrong with the alternator. If your battery is good, and your alternator isn't working, the battery will still lose its charge because the alternator isn't keeping it charged.
539689
['Problems with starting the vehicle. One of the first symptoms of a problem with battery cables is an issue starting the vehicle. ... ', 'Corrosion on battery terminals. Another symptom of a bad or failing cable is the presence of corrosion on the terminals. ... ', 'No power to vehicle.']
872199
Defective Alternator If your alternator has a bad diode, your battery can drain. The bad alternator diode can cause the circuit to charge even when the engine is shut off, and you end up in the morning with a car that won't start.
140840
['Little Use Time. One of the most obvious signs it may be time to reassess your laptop battery is if it dies much sooner than it used to. ... ', 'Unexpected Power Issues. ... ', 'Slow Charge. ... ', 'Overheating. ... ', 'Age. ... ', 'System Report.']
1101058
First, open the hood and start the car. While the engine is running, remove the negative cable from the battery. If the vehicle stalls or dies, the alternator is likely bad. ... If the car continues to the run, the problem may lie with the battery.
134260
['Frequent stalls.', 'Strange noises, including knocking and pinging.', 'Alternator problems.', 'Reduction in power.', 'Vehicle jerking/rough ride.', 'Exhaust odor.', 'After-run (the engine coughs and chugs for several seconds after shutting off the ignition)', 'Sluggishness upon acceleration.']
243056
['What does an alternator do? ... ', 'Symptom #1 – Warning Indicator Light on Dashboard. ... ', 'Symptom #2 – Dim/Flickering Headlights. ... ', 'Symptom #3 – Dead Battery. ... ', 'Symptom #4 – Strange Sounds. ... ', 'Symptom #5 – Strange Smells. ... ', 'Symptom #6 – Slow Electrical Accessories. ... ', 'Symptom #7 – Regular Stalling/Difficulty Starting.']
4358
Simply jump-start your car and then remove the jumper cables as quickly as possible. Then wait. If the alternator is failing to charge the system, the car will soon die again and you've pinpointed the problem. However, if the car runs and continues to run, then the likely problem is with the battery.
151380
['Slow Engine Crank. When you attempt to start the vehicle, the cranking of the engine is sluggish and takes longer than normal to start.', 'Check Engine Light. ... ', 'Low Battery Fluid Level. ... ', 'Swelling, Bloating Battery Case. ... ', 'Battery Leak. ... ', 'Old Age.']