1998 Jeep Cherokee Battery or alternator

1998 JEEP CHEROKEE
120,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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KIMNJAMES
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The car would not crank , when it was jumped off it would fire up but it would not stay idled and go dead . Eventually it would run ,but would not restart unless jumped off . The lights were also dimming is the battery shot or could the alternator be going bad ? I dont want to buy a new battery and have a bad alternator . Thanks for your help....
Aug 29, 2008 at 8:39 AM
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DOCFIXIT
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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Get it running and go to an Auto Zone,Advance or O'Rileys and have batt,alt checked. They will do it free then you will know what to replace.
Aug 29, 2008 at 8:55 AM
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KIMNJAMES
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I was also told to get it running and then take the positive terminal off of the battery , if it stays running it would be the battery that was bad....Is that correct? Sorry Im a dummy about this stuff .
Aug 29, 2008 at 9:23 AM
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DOCFIXIT
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 18,828 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
That is a Ol' timer way of checking alt. but on newer autos with computers and electronics harm may come to them doing that. Much safer with system check.
Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45 AM
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KIMNJAMES
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Thanks , I checked and was told the same thing from Auto Zone........THANK YOU for the info !
Aug 29, 2008 at 11:55 AM
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