Alternator Sound Like The Possible Problem ?
 

Hello:

Not very competent regarding technical matters with cars, so
please excuse a dumb querstion:

Have an '84 Cressida.
Generally runs just great.

Lately, it wouldn't start, and as the battery was quite old, I put in
a brand new one. Started, then, just fine for a few days.

Now, dead again, and the dash battery gage show zip; totally run down.

A few questions, please:

If a car with a bad Alternator is run for just a few times,
does this mean that it is running totally off the battery (never at night;
no lights)?

Under the above condition, is this likely to discharge, totally a brand new
battery ?

Alternator sound like a likely culprit ?

Or "something", even with key off, depleting the battery possibly ? Such as
?

Or,... ?

Thanks,
Bob

Yes, a bum alternator will run down the battery from just driving.
Usually if the alternator goes the battery will "get you home" if you
don't have far to drive.

Do you have a charging indicator on the dashboard?

One way to test if the alternator is working is to put a volmeter accross
the battery terminals with the engine running. It should read at least 14
but not more than 15 volts.



"Robert11" ) writes:
> Hello:
>
> Not very competent regarding technical matters with cars, so
> please excuse a dumb querstion:
>
> Have an '84 Cressida.
> Generally runs just great.
>
> Lately, it wouldn't start, and as the battery was quite old, I put in
> a brand new one. Started, then, just fine for a few days.
>
> Now, dead again, and the dash battery gage show zip; totally run down.
>
> A few questions, please:
>
> If a car with a bad Alternator is run for just a few times,
> does this mean that it is running totally off the battery (never at night;
> no lights)?
>
> Under the above condition, is this likely to discharge, totally a brand new
> battery ?
>
> Alternator sound like a likely culprit ?
>
> Or "something", even with key off, depleting the battery possibly ? Such as
> ?
>
> Or,... ?
>
> Thanks,
> Bob
>
>


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In article >,
"Robert11" > wrote:

> Hello:
>
> Not very competent regarding technical matters with cars, so
> please excuse a dumb querstion:
>
> Have an '84 Cressida.
> Generally runs just great.
>
> Lately, it wouldn't start, and as the battery was quite old, I put in
> a brand new one. Started, then, just fine for a few days.
>
> Now, dead again, and the dash battery gage show zip; totally run down.
>
> A few questions, please:
>
> If a car with a bad Alternator is run for just a few times,
> does this mean that it is running totally off the battery (never at night;
> no lights)?

Yes.

> Under the above condition, is this likely to discharge, totally a brand new
> battery ?

Yes.

> Alternator sound like a likely culprit ?

It's one possible cause.

> Or "something", even with key off, depleting the battery possibly ? Such as
> ?

A vanity mirror light not shutting off.

>
> Or,... ?

A trunk light not shutting off.
A leaking diode in the alternator.
ECM not going to sleep when the key is shut off.
>
> Thanks,
> Bob