how do i know if my alternator is no good?

[bigchevyboy 10+ year member]

I effed up with some wire and my car won't start now (read pst titled,HELP HELP HELP)i try to jump it and it won't start and when it does strt it cuts right off. is my alternator not charging my bats or could I have dead cells in my battery that won't allow it to hold a charge? someone please help me!

Click to read more...

 

[SEVEN_ELEVEN 10+ year member]

That doesnt sound good. Its doesnt really sound like its the alternator. Even if it was bad the car should still run fine when you jump it.

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

...it won't start...when it does strt it cuts right off.

so it won't start, but it starts??! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/eyebrow.gif.fe2c18d8720fe8c7eaed347b21ea05a5.gif

go to autozone - ask for an alt/battery check. They should be able to tell you if it's a generic starting system problem or something deeper than that.

 

[bigchevyboy 10+ year member]

it starts after a few hours of sitting and then it will cut right off. its a 96 Chevy Caprice with the digital dash. could I have destroyed my electrical system with the frying of my cap? I can't drive it to autozone cause it won't stay started. its funny cause I pulled the fuse that's conects my rear batt to my main batt and my music will play off the rear but the front batt won't start the car,WTF!!

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

do you have an isolator installed?

 

[bigchevyboy 10+ year member]

Isolator? I don't think so but what would that do if I do and how can I find out if I do? I really need help cause I'm lost on why my car is doing this.

 

[WiCKeD 5.9L 10+ year member]

Take the alternator and battery out and get someone to drive you to Vatozone or whatever local chain parts store is near you to test them. If neither is bad, you are really focked.

 

[sdmtnbiker420 10+ year member]

Judging by your original post, i'd say you are driving an American car.

EDIT: Ahh Chevy Caprice - a mechanics dream.... you'll probably need to get it towed to a mechanic.

 

[bigchevyboy 10+ year member]

I took my batts to Auto Zone and found out that they were bad so I think that was my problem. had 2 red top optima's and caled up my stereo shop and the replaced them for free under optima's 3 year warranty. now the question I wanna know is did this happened cause I fryed my cap? from now on I'm discoonnecting the power everytime I make an adjustment.