shadygrey

I just tried to start my car and got a clicking noise. I have a brand new Optima yellow top battery I got for x-mas and I just had to get a jump from a friend. He said that the alternator is probably shot. Any other suggestions on what might be wrong or is my friend right?

hotmax97

1)starter could be goin bad
2)battery cables loose

007max

iTrader: (3)

you could have a short somewhere which is draining your battery, or the battery may not be recharging because one of the leads from the alternator is loose or corroded, probably the alternator though.
simple test: disconnect the battery while the car is running to see if the alternator puts out juice

goldmax

When my alternator died last summer it ate the battery in the process. You may have problems with both.

shadygrey

I'm positive its not the battery. Its a brand new Optima yellow top and has been working fine since I installed it on x-mas. My friend says when the alternator goes bad it won't recharge the battery which is one of the functions of the alternator.

Flava_24/7

iTrader: (46)

Exactly. Is the battery dying. If you charge it does it just die?
Did it die on you while driving? If so did you lose all power like lights go dimm,radio get quiet.
Its probably the alt.
Do what 007max said and disconnect the Batt. while its running and you will know for sure.