We got the charging system checked after putting a new battery in and sure enough the alternator was the culprit. After putting a new alternator in, the car continues to die. When we did the replacing the battery was zapped of all charge by the way. I can jump it, drive for say 10 minutes get out and then restart it after 10-15 min, however if it sits overnight or is jumped and then driven a shorter distance and left the same amount of time it is totally dead. No interior lights, no power at all. I bought a volt meter and the battery had almost no charge to it, it read 4 v. Had the new alternator checked and it seems fine. I am currently charging the battery to full capacity but am wondering if that's going to fix the problem or if there is something else I should be looking for. ???
Check all the lighting on the car, IE: trunk light,glove box light, light under the hood, any small light make sure they shut off ,check to see if you have a phone charger left in the cig. lighter, radar detector ETC. any of those things can drain a battery over night quick.if you dont find anything wrong then you may have a short somewhere in the electric system... hope this helps you...
I would jump start the vehicle and then check the alternator output voltage at the battery to make sure it is over 12 volts. if you're getting volts from the alternator--it's good. Is it a maintenance free or can you see the electrolyte level. if you can see the liquid--i can tell you another test.
Re-check the battery cables at both ends. If the cables/connections are good, there's no reason a new battery shouldn't hold a charge, even one that's been drained. If the connections are good, it's possible you either got a bad battery or it was sitting on the shelf for a while before you bought it. If this was the case, a good slow charge should solve your problem but if it doesn't I'd bring the battery back to the retailer and have it replaced. Hope this answers your question and All the best!
Greg
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