Engine Alternator, starter, or battery?

Alternator, starter, or battery?

Ok here's what happend..

Today i try to start my car and there is a slight engine noise and then just some clicks. I try again and i all hear is click click click. I figure its the starter so i try to tap it a couple of times, but the car still wont start.

Maybe its the battery? I turn my cd on, headlights... The stereo plays fine for a minute and then the lights began to dim and its gone. Now the headlights are very dim and so are the dash lights, and the stereo is dead.

I find someone with jumper cables and they jump start my car. Now i am happy thinking it was the battery, and somehow i left the dome light on! I go grocery shopping leave the grocery store the car starts fine. I go get some luch before work..try to start the car and NO.. click click click I have to get it jumped again. So now i am late for work. I get home to grab my work pants and shirt, and yes...once again the car needs to be jumped.

So i needed three jump sarts today. This is the first time this happend to my car ( '99 with 75k miles, auto).

Can any of you guys tell me if the alternator, starter, or battery is responsibe for this.

Thanks
1onelove

mostly the battery..or the alternator isn't doing it's job in charging the battery..

A volt meter would be the best check 13.5-14.0 at battery terminals with lights and blower fan on is normal for alternator output.

If that is the original battery it could be time (but I would check the charging system before buying battery)

CW

Even if the battery is holding a charge right now, the battery itself may be going bad. Normally you can take it to a local Kragen's, AutoZone, PepBoys, etc. and they will attempt to recharge your battery for you (usually free). The battery charging device will let you know within 10 minutes or so whether or not the battery is still good. That would at least help you eliminate one item.

check your battery posts too for corrosion and such...also, make sure everything's tight and not slipping- make sure the battery is clean too, dirty batteries are known to drain slowly over time...

if you don't get a warning light on your dash, chances are it's not the alternator. check your ground, i'd say scrap the battery, a new one is only like $40..

well..i had to get it jumped today again. I went to AutoZone the guy cleaned my battery and recharged it! And so far no more problems.