Recently replaced my battery ends top post positive side because it looked like crap with rust rolled into 1... checked connections, then rechecked connections again, im wondering if its the battery failing or if its the alternator. Ive had the car for 2 yrs now and bought the car with the same battery that came with it. When the car dies i have to bang on the damn positive end to get the car started. at times, tryint to jump start the car doesnt even work. If anyone can help me pinpoint why at random times the car dies on me when i try to start it, will be greatly appreciated...

 

Hmm if you could get ahold of a dmm (digital multi meter) i could tell you exactly how to test it if not i would recomend that you take the battery to autozone and have them test it. but... you will have to test the connections as well

 

How does one test connections??

 

u need a multimeter and first test if the battery is good. Shd be 12volt with the car off. If its lower then the battery is dead.

its prolly jus your battery

 

i agree, now with the dmm and a known good battery. the best place to check is at the starter if you have voltage you should be ok

to est the alternator set the dmm to d/c voltage, with the engine running, put the red lead on the positive terminal ground the black lead to the case of the alternator you should get a reading of 13.8-14.3 volts anything below that requires a replacement

 

Your car should be able to run with no battery. After starting you car is powered by the alternater. Check the two wires attached to the positive cable, fuses, and grounds.

 

Go to Autozone/Advanced and get the charging system load tested. Simple as that, they will diagnosis the battery and alternator for free.