got ya thanks , todd and TT...

 

If the alternator is bad (even moderately bad) and not providing the correct charge during operation, the car battery will ultimately die and show wear and tear that when you take it to Pep Boys, it will show as damaged like yours is.

It is either your alternator (easy to check) or you have a ground somewhere.

 

how can I check the alternator??

 

Start the car and put a meter on the battery. You should see 13.6-13.8 volts. Anything less would indicate a weak or failing alternator.

 

drain a battery to below a certain point, it will cause an internal short and kill the battery. They will warranty the dead battery. But do you really want the trouble to change the battery so often?

You need a charger that put out more than 5 amps to charge a battery that's below 80% as the battery won't take any charge without the higher amps and your alternator won't do it either. So a float charger won't do anything for you at that point. If you have a short somewhere or a bad switch that is leaving something on all the time, then it's draining faster than the 2 amps that a float charger can dish out.

have your electric circuit professionally checked out. You have a short if you are draining a battery in one day.

Keep it float charged every chance you get can lengthen the life. My factory battery lasted 6 and a half years before it gave up the ghost this past weekend and it was because I left the car for 5 weeks forgetting to turn on the float charger and the battery drained down.

A lead acid battery also self drains up to 20% per month.

 

Step 1

Start your car. If the headlights are more dim than normal, the alternator is possibly going out. Turn off your lights, radio, air conditioner or any other running electrical system.

Step 2

Ensure the connections are secure between the alternator and battery, after turning off the car. Also, check the alternator belt for damage.

Step 3

Turn on the ignition, again. If your car doesn't start, you must use a battery charger.

Step 4

Connect a multimeter or voltage meter at the battery to test the alternator. Idle the engine. Check to see how many volts are showing on the meter. There should be 13.6 to 14.3 volts showing.

Step 5

If bad, replace alternator.