My problem – Few weeks ago, my car wouldn't start, my battery had a bad cell according to autozone and I replaced it with a New battery. Now a a week later, my car is not starting again…no lights no nothing because the battery is dead. Could it be my alternator?
I am able to jump the car and disconnect the cables and the car will continue to run until I shut it off. Is my alternator not charging the battery? Should I buy a new alternator?
Suggestion:
First off, I beg you, please never disconnect your battery with the vehicle running. I know everyone says that it is a way to test your Alternator (AC Generator), and that was true way back in the days when vehicles actually had DC generators, however, now, doing this will make your alternator "charge wild" with no voltage for reference and it can easily break 100 volts, up to 250 volts. This high voltage can fry computer circuits since fuses protect against amperage, not voltage. I know people don't believe me, and will give me thumbs down, but there is a reason i went to school for this, I have a degree in Automotive Service Technology, and I wear an ASE Certified patch on my work uniforms.
Now, it is possible that your alternator is in the fritz, but I would suggest a charging and starting system performance check by a reputable shop. Perhaps you simply left your headlights or an interior light on and it killed the battery.
***ADDED***
In light of added details, please check your connections at your battery posts.
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