Battery losing its charge

1986 NISSAN 300ZX

200,000 MILES

ZOSO3737

MEMBER
2 POSTS

so i thought my alternator was going out, because my electrical slowly diminished to the point i couldn't start the car. so i replaced that, it was good for about a day, then the charge started decreasing in the battery and then i lost all electrical and now back to square one? What now? Battery is not quite a year old keep in mind, and its CCA is about 10 less than the one before it.

Nov 12, 2011 at 12:27 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
110,194 POSTS

You need to check for a draw on the battery. If there is none, check the fuseable link between the battery and alt to make sure it is good.

Nov 12, 2011 at 12:29 AM

FIXITMR

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
9,990 POSTS

have can you test voltage at battery with car running to see if it's around 14+ volts?

Nov 12, 2011 at 12:37 AM

ZOSO3737

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Ya, the display on the car initially after replacing the alternator showed about 14 volts, however as the neared the end, it suddenly dropped to 11 volts and eventually died all together.

Nov 12, 2011 at 8:46 AM

FIXITMR

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
9,990 POSTS

have the alternator tested at store.

Nov 12, 2011 at 6:30 PM

BILLYBOB

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
27 POSTS

pull the alternater and take it into the store have them check iy

Nov 12, 2011 at 7:03 PM

BILLYBOB

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
27 POSTS

you can get it started then pull the cable off the positive post if it dies then you know for sure its the alternater

Nov 12, 2011 at 7:15 PM

FIXITMR

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
9,990 POSTS

dont leave it off for long as over voltage may fry something in system. i actually dont recommend this maneuver.

Nov 13, 2011 at 12:42 AM

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