help with battery charge issue

[1996TalonEsi]

OK, my car wont start unless its jumpstarted. I tested the battery when the car is off, and it read 12 volts. When the car is running, it read 14 volts. So i dont think the alternator is bad, anyone have any ideas? I also put more water in the battery a couple days ago since it looked a little low. I also cleaned the terminals and terminal connectors.

 

[95TalonTsiAWDam]

Does it attempt to turn over or anything at all? Lights dim during starting?

 

[luv2rallye]

First thing: Remove and clean both ends of both large battery cables and what they attach to. The slightest resistance will drop voltage.

 

[RedTurboEclipse]

I had this problem with our van. The voltmeter wont really tell you jack about the battery. You need to measure for cranking amps. Our van's battery read 12 on the battery off and on at 14. But would only go on after jumpstarting. Battery terminals were clean too. Only problem we thought was maybe starter? We brought it to the dealer, guess what, it was the battery, not enough cranking amps.

 

[broox]

I have a similar problem - not completely the same, but definitely similar, so instead of starting a new thread...

My wife left my lights on all night a few weeks ago. I came out and my battery was straight up DEAD. So I plugged it in and charged it for a bit (until the battery got to 50% or so) and then started it. When I pulled out, I noticed a belt squeaking. I just replaced my alternator and water pump belts 4,000 miles ago. (maybe just a coincidence)

Since that day, starting has been tough and my battery has not been holding charge. So I figured maybe the alternator was shot? But now, I'm assuming the alternator is working because my battery tests at 14 volts when running.

A few nights since then, I've plugged my battery in after getting home from work to find it at 10%. So I charged it to 100% and got through another couple days. Last night I charged it to 100% and checked it again this morning and it was down to 85%.

What could be going on here? alternator? battery? starter? with my luck, maybe all 3, haha.

Thanks!

 

[Defiant]

Your battery is dead, and your harmonic balancer is blown.

 

[1996TalonEsi]

My problem was the battery. replaced it and was good to go

 

[broox]

mine was battery as well, haha. how embarrassing.