So yesterday after going on a 30 minute drive, I pull into my driveway and park my car. I turn the car off and came back moment's later to start it again, but I heard a click noise and then the dash lights, odometer, radio, everything stopped working even the key fob to unlock and lock the doors. I need a jump everytime I want to start my car now, and I have a schumacher battery charger 6v/12v but it seems like it's not charging the battery. Like am I having alternator issues, or is the battery just old? I just bought this damn car from the dealer a few weeks ago it's no way I should be having issues already. Can someone help? I have a 2010 Jeep Patriot Sport 4x4 awd. And the battery again is a duralast 12v battery. Not sure if it's my alternator, battery, battery terminals (which I see no corrosion or white-yellow crust anywhere).
Grooveystone8
Car battery dies everytime i turn it off. What could be causing this?
Take your Patriot to an auto parts store and have them test the battery and charging system. They will usually do it for free.
Good advice from mr_et2 above. Start with the obvious. If the battery is running down, its probably a bad battery. A battery isn't expensive and its an easy DIY job. I'm guessing some parts stores may even install it for free if you buy the battery from them.
Please note: Consistently running down the battery and recharging it will overwork your alternator and kill that too.
Please note: Consistently running down the battery and recharging it will overwork your alternator and kill that too.
Unfortunately, used cars are a very mixed bag. Some get a good deal, but we've seen several new members who just bought used on here with all kinds of issues the previous owner(s) didn't want to pay to fix.
In any case, along with having a shop/parts store test the battery you can try measuring the battery with a DVM if you have one.
Fully charged with the engine off it should be around 12.6 less than 12.4 isn't good.
If the voltage is low it may have a dry or dead cell. If it has removable caps you can (being very careful) try to pry them off and see if the fluid is over the top of the plates.
With the engine running it should be around 13.7v to 14.7 if the alternator is working.
My stock battery only lasted 4 years. The next one was an Interstate battery from Costco and lasted over 5 years.
In any case, along with having a shop/parts store test the battery you can try measuring the battery with a DVM if you have one.
Fully charged with the engine off it should be around 12.6 less than 12.4 isn't good.
If the voltage is low it may have a dry or dead cell. If it has removable caps you can (being very careful) try to pry them off and see if the fluid is over the top of the plates.
With the engine running it should be around 13.7v to 14.7 if the alternator is working.
My stock battery only lasted 4 years. The next one was an Interstate battery from Costco and lasted over 5 years.
Go to your local store and get your car checked. Because it is not something you should play with. One day you will find yourself in the middle of the road with a dead battery. You should check BatteryTools.net | The #1 Battery Resource this website in case you still wanna fix it yourself, you can find a lot of information about car batteries and how they work. I remember when my battery died when I was 100 miles away from home because I was too lazy to check it out and just went on a work trip. So, I ended up missing all my appointments and nerves. I am glad a good man stopped by and helped me with my issue by dragging the car to the nearest gas station. So, if you do not want to end up in that situation just get
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