I hadn't used my car in a week. Normally it always starts. Then one day after one week it didn't start. I got a jump from my neighbor and i was able to drive around for more than 20 minutes. I stopped for about 10 minutes, turned on the car and was able to drive home. Next morning i can't start my car, I replaced the alternator about 2 years ago. Could it be the battery ?
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It could simply be the battery needs a complete charge, or it could be the battery or a parasitic draw. You need to have the battery tested to start. You can see my post here on how to test a battery, or most auto parts stores will do it for you.
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Hi Larry, I thought I completely charged it when i took the car for a spin, wouldn't that have completely charged the battery? – Marin Jul 21 '14 at 14:38
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1@Marin No, it's not the best way to charge the battery with the alternator at all. You should put it on a battery charger at the lowest rate practical. The Alternator is going to try and fast charge the battery which may not work well depending on the condition of the battery. – Move More Comments Link To Top Jul 21 '14 at 14:55
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20 minutes is not enough to load your battery. If you could start your car after you driven a bit, your alternator is ok. You could try to load you battery, but it could be, that it reached a low point discharge. If so, only new one will help. Also if the battery is more then 5 years old, just change it. Old batteries lose more and more power at the time.
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@Marin, not at all. I would guess, it would load your battery to 10 - 15%. It would be enough to start your car a few times and only if the battery is warm. If it cool down, there is even less energy. To reach a 90 % of possible charge you will need something about 10 - 12 hours. For 100 % twice as much. This way is better to load your battery with special charging station over night or so. – Watsche Jul 22 '14 at 06:46