My daughters 88 SE has had trouble starting on these cold Minnesota days.It tends to click, like the battery is low, she will respond to a jump, usually. The battery is only about 4 months old. I know the battery cables are clean and they are tight. One of my friends suggested that once the car is running, you take off the battery cables and if the car keeps running, it's not the altenator. Haven't heard that one before. It could be we got a faulty battery. Any quick, back yard mechanic suggestions to narrow this down. Thanks

 

If you have a bad alternator, it can ruin a good battery in no time. You need to check the output of both alternator & battery ASAP. If you don't have the proper meter to check them, you better go to a reputable shop and have it done.

 

check the fluid level in the battery. check the fan belt, a worn one could cause the battery to drain. clicking indicates a dead battery. maybe it needs a charge. but if its 4 months old, you could just get a new one and have a reliable tech check out your charging system. im out.