Dead Battery (Alternator?) 1997 Jeep Wrangler...
 

Let's see if I can find anything out here that will help. This will
be a lot of information, maybe too much.

Ok.

About a year ago, someone tried to steal the battery from my car.
They cut the wires, and when they realized they couldn't remove the
battery, they left it alone. (I know that someone was trying to steal
it because the same night, my roomate's battery was stolen,
successfully). I rigged up a new terminal and re-attached the wires.

Later, the battery died. (It was old. So it seemed normal.) I
replaced the battery, but after that the battery gauge sporadically
dropped. It was fine for about a week, with the battery light coming
on every once in a while, but it never affected how the car was
running.

But then the power failed, and I couldn't get it started again. I had
to have it towed to the shop, where the mechanic replaced the
alternator. (I had had a feeling that the alternator was a problem
for some time, so it seemed like a sensible solution). I drove the
car for two days after that, and now it's died again. The battery
light comes on, the lights dim, and then I can't accelerate. If I
leave it alone for a little while, it starts again, but only runs for
a short time.

If I assume that the alternator is fine (since I just had it
replaced), what else could be the problem? Is it true that if the car
starts, then the battery is probably ok?

I really don't have any idea what the problem could be. Bad
connection from the battery? What?

Also, the Jeep just died in the projects, which is pretty awesome.

Any help or advice would be enormously appreciated.

Re: Dead Battery (Alternator?) 1997 Jeep Wrangler...
 

EganReich wrote:
> Let's see if I can find anything out here that will help. This will
> be a lot of information, maybe too much.
>
> Ok.
>
> About a year ago, someone tried to steal the battery from my car.
> They cut the wires, and when they realized they couldn't remove the
> battery, they left it alone. (I know that someone was trying to steal
> it because the same night, my roomate's battery was stolen,
> successfully). I rigged up a new terminal and re-attached the wires.

Are you sure you got all the wires and your connections are tight and
clean? No stress, no poor crimps. The charging circuit is fairly high
amperage so bad connections can lead to heat that just makes the connection
worse. Personally I'd go with new wires.

> Later, the battery died. (It was old. So it seemed normal.) I
> replaced the battery, but after that the battery gauge sporadically
> dropped. It was fine for about a week, with the battery light coming
> on every once in a while, but it never affected how the car was
> running.

The battery gage dropping like that is telling you one of two things.
1) the battery has an internal defect (cracked cell, loose terminal)
2) the battery connection is failing (connector or wire)

> If I assume that the alternator is fine (since I just had it
> replaced), what else could be the problem? Is it true that if the car
> starts, then the battery is probably ok?

Might have someone test it again just to make sure. Starting is the
highest draw on a battery.

I suspect the battery is not charging properly. This could be a
missing wire or damaged battery harness. Make sure you look around
for any wire the thief's might have cut that hasn't been repaired.


--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://revbeergoggles.com
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!

Re: Dead Battery (Alternator?) 1997 Jeep Wrangler...
 

EganReich wrote:
> Let's see if I can find anything out here that will help. This will
> be a lot of information, maybe too much.
>
> Ok.
>
> About a year ago, someone tried to steal the battery from my car.
> They cut the wires, and when they realized they couldn't remove the
> battery, they left it alone. (I know that someone was trying to steal
> it because the same night, my roomate's battery was stolen,
> successfully). I rigged up a new terminal and re-attached the wires.

Are you sure you got all the wires and your connections are tight and
clean? No stress, no poor crimps. The charging circuit is fairly high
amperage so bad connections can lead to heat that just makes the connection
worse. Personally I'd go with new wires.

> Later, the battery died. (It was old. So it seemed normal.) I
> replaced the battery, but after that the battery gauge sporadically
> dropped. It was fine for about a week, with the battery light coming
> on every once in a while, but it never affected how the car was
> running.

The battery gage dropping like that is telling you one of two things.
1) the battery has an internal defect (cracked cell, loose terminal)
2) the battery connection is failing (connector or wire)

> If I assume that the alternator is fine (since I just had it
> replaced), what else could be the problem? Is it true that if the car
> starts, then the battery is probably ok?

Might have someone test it again just to make sure. Starting is the
highest draw on a battery.

I suspect the battery is not charging properly. This could be a
missing wire or damaged battery harness. Make sure you look around
for any wire the thief's might have cut that hasn't been repaired.


--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://revbeergoggles.com
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!

Re: Dead Battery (Alternator?) 1997 Jeep Wrangler...
 

EganReich wrote:
> Let's see if I can find anything out here that will help. This will
> be a lot of information, maybe too much.
>
> Ok.
>
> About a year ago, someone tried to steal the battery from my car.
> They cut the wires, and when they realized they couldn't remove the
> battery, they left it alone. (I know that someone was trying to steal
> it because the same night, my roomate's battery was stolen,
> successfully). I rigged up a new terminal and re-attached the wires.

Are you sure you got all the wires and your connections are tight and
clean? No stress, no poor crimps. The charging circuit is fairly high
amperage so bad connections can lead to heat that just makes the connection
worse. Personally I'd go with new wires.

> Later, the battery died. (It was old. So it seemed normal.) I
> replaced the battery, but after that the battery gauge sporadically
> dropped. It was fine for about a week, with the battery light coming
> on every once in a while, but it never affected how the car was
> running.

The battery gage dropping like that is telling you one of two things.
1) the battery has an internal defect (cracked cell, loose terminal)
2) the battery connection is failing (connector or wire)

> If I assume that the alternator is fine (since I just had it
> replaced), what else could be the problem? Is it true that if the car
> starts, then the battery is probably ok?

Might have someone test it again just to make sure. Starting is the
highest draw on a battery.

I suspect the battery is not charging properly. This could be a
missing wire or damaged battery harness. Make sure you look around
for any wire the thief's might have cut that hasn't been repaired.


--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://revbeergoggles.com
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!

Re: Dead Battery (Alternator?) 1997 Jeep Wrangler...
 

I agree with Doug. Replacement battery wire ends are more trouble than they
are worth. Get new wires with molded ends on them. There also may be a
wire that you missed that the thieves cut. I am thinking of the wire that
feeds the alternator, for example. "Died in the projects", damn, call a tow
truck.

Earle

"DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
news:L18Ch.12811$xJ6.3333@newsfe14.lga...
> EganReich wrote:
> > Let's see if I can find anything out here that will help. This will
> > be a lot of information, maybe too much.
> >
> > Ok.
> >
> > About a year ago, someone tried to steal the battery from my car.
> > They cut the wires, and when they realized they couldn't remove the
> > battery, they left it alone. (I know that someone was trying to steal
> > it because the same night, my roomate's battery was stolen,
> > successfully). I rigged up a new terminal and re-attached the wires.
>
> Are you sure you got all the wires and your connections are tight and
> clean? No stress, no poor crimps. The charging circuit is fairly high
> amperage so bad connections can lead to heat that just makes the
connection
> worse. Personally I'd go with new wires.
>
> > Later, the battery died. (It was old. So it seemed normal.) I
> > replaced the battery, but after that the battery gauge sporadically
> > dropped. It was fine for about a week, with the battery light coming
> > on every once in a while, but it never affected how the car was
> > running.
>
> The battery gage dropping like that is telling you one of two things.
> 1) the battery has an internal defect (cracked cell, loose terminal)
> 2) the battery connection is failing (connector or wire)
>
> > If I assume that the alternator is fine (since I just had it
> > replaced), what else could be the problem? Is it true that if the car
> > starts, then the battery is probably ok?
>
> Might have someone test it again just to make sure. Starting is the
> highest draw on a battery.
>
> I suspect the battery is not charging properly. This could be a
> missing wire or damaged battery harness. Make sure you look around
> for any wire the thief's might have cut that hasn't been repaired.
>
>
> --
> -- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://revbeergoggles.com
> HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
> Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
> Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
>
>

Re: Dead Battery (Alternator?) 1997 Jeep Wrangler...
 

I agree with Doug. Replacement battery wire ends are more trouble than they
are worth. Get new wires with molded ends on them. There also may be a
wire that you missed that the thieves cut. I am thinking of the wire that
feeds the alternator, for example. "Died in the projects", damn, call a tow
truck.

Earle

"DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
news:L18Ch.12811$xJ6.3333@newsfe14.lga...
> EganReich wrote:
> > Let's see if I can find anything out here that will help. This will
> > be a lot of information, maybe too much.
> >
> > Ok.
> >
> > About a year ago, someone tried to steal the battery from my car.
> > They cut the wires, and when they realized they couldn't remove the
> > battery, they left it alone. (I know that someone was trying to steal
> > it because the same night, my roomate's battery was stolen,
> > successfully). I rigged up a new terminal and re-attached the wires.
>
> Are you sure you got all the wires and your connections are tight and
> clean? No stress, no poor crimps. The charging circuit is fairly high
> amperage so bad connections can lead to heat that just makes the
connection
> worse. Personally I'd go with new wires.
>
> > Later, the battery died. (It was old. So it seemed normal.) I
> > replaced the battery, but after that the battery gauge sporadically
> > dropped. It was fine for about a week, with the battery light coming
> > on every once in a while, but it never affected how the car was
> > running.
>
> The battery gage dropping like that is telling you one of two things.
> 1) the battery has an internal defect (cracked cell, loose terminal)
> 2) the battery connection is failing (connector or wire)
>
> > If I assume that the alternator is fine (since I just had it
> > replaced), what else could be the problem? Is it true that if the car
> > starts, then the battery is probably ok?
>
> Might have someone test it again just to make sure. Starting is the
> highest draw on a battery.
>
> I suspect the battery is not charging properly. This could be a
> missing wire or damaged battery harness. Make sure you look around
> for any wire the thief's might have cut that hasn't been repaired.
>
>
> --
> -- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://revbeergoggles.com
> HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
> Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
> Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
>
>

Re: Dead Battery (Alternator?) 1997 Jeep Wrangler...
 

I agree with Doug. Replacement battery wire ends are more trouble than they
are worth. Get new wires with molded ends on them. There also may be a
wire that you missed that the thieves cut. I am thinking of the wire that
feeds the alternator, for example. "Died in the projects", damn, call a tow
truck.

Earle

"DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
news:L18Ch.12811$xJ6.3333@newsfe14.lga...
> EganReich wrote:
> > Let's see if I can find anything out here that will help. This will
> > be a lot of information, maybe too much.
> >
> > Ok.
> >
> > About a year ago, someone tried to steal the battery from my car.
> > They cut the wires, and when they realized they couldn't remove the
> > battery, they left it alone. (I know that someone was trying to steal
> > it because the same night, my roomate's battery was stolen,
> > successfully). I rigged up a new terminal and re-attached the wires.
>
> Are you sure you got all the wires and your connections are tight and
> clean? No stress, no poor crimps. The charging circuit is fairly high
> amperage so bad connections can lead to heat that just makes the
connection
> worse. Personally I'd go with new wires.
>
> > Later, the battery died. (It was old. So it seemed normal.) I
> > replaced the battery, but after that the battery gauge sporadically
> > dropped. It was fine for about a week, with the battery light coming
> > on every once in a while, but it never affected how the car was
> > running.
>
> The battery gage dropping like that is telling you one of two things.
> 1) the battery has an internal defect (cracked cell, loose terminal)
> 2) the battery connection is failing (connector or wire)
>
> > If I assume that the alternator is fine (since I just had it
> > replaced), what else could be the problem? Is it true that if the car
> > starts, then the battery is probably ok?
>
> Might have someone test it again just to make sure. Starting is the
> highest draw on a battery.
>
> I suspect the battery is not charging properly. This could be a
> missing wire or damaged battery harness. Make sure you look around
> for any wire the thief's might have cut that hasn't been repaired.
>
>
> --
> -- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://revbeergoggles.com
> HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
> Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
> Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
>
>

Re: Dead Battery (Alternator?) 1997 Jeep Wrangler...
 

I'm thinking that you have a bad cable, bad ground, etc that is
aggrevatating the alternator and battery. Pretyy much the whole system
is the battery, alternator, 2 big cables, one smaller cable from the
alternator to the battery.

The fact that the gauge seems to fluctuate on occassion and or dim
lights usually means a cable is flexing and giving a poor connection.
Repair terminals are a first part to look at.

Your local parts place will test the alternator for free. The local
battery place will test you battery (under load, after charging) for
free. Someone else mentioned cables, just chuck out the repair terminals
and get a pair of NEW battery cables with molded ends. Total cost for
all of the above is 2 hours and $20.

EganReich wrote:
> Let's see if I can find anything out here that will help. This will
> be a lot of information, maybe too much.
>
> Ok.
>
> About a year ago, someone tried to steal the battery from my car.
> They cut the wires, and when they realized they couldn't remove the
> battery, they left it alone. (I know that someone was trying to steal
> it because the same night, my roomate's battery was stolen,
> successfully). I rigged up a new terminal and re-attached the wires.
>
> Later, the battery died. (It was old. So it seemed normal.) I
> replaced the battery, but after that the battery gauge sporadically
> dropped. It was fine for about a week, with the battery light coming
> on every once in a while, but it never affected how the car was
> running.
>
> But then the power failed, and I couldn't get it started again. I had
> to have it towed to the shop, where the mechanic replaced the
> alternator. (I had had a feeling that the alternator was a problem
> for some time, so it seemed like a sensible solution). I drove the
> car for two days after that, and now it's died again. The battery
> light comes on, the lights dim, and then I can't accelerate. If I
> leave it alone for a little while, it starts again, but only runs for
> a short time.
>
> If I assume that the alternator is fine (since I just had it
> replaced), what else could be the problem? Is it true that if the car
> starts, then the battery is probably ok?
>
> I really don't have any idea what the problem could be. Bad
> connection from the battery? What?
>
> Also, the Jeep just died in the projects, which is pretty awesome.
>
> Any help or advice would be enormously appreciated.
>

Re: Dead Battery (Alternator?) 1997 Jeep Wrangler...
 

I'm thinking that you have a bad cable, bad ground, etc that is
aggrevatating the alternator and battery. Pretyy much the whole system
is the battery, alternator, 2 big cables, one smaller cable from the
alternator to the battery.

The fact that the gauge seems to fluctuate on occassion and or dim
lights usually means a cable is flexing and giving a poor connection.
Repair terminals are a first part to look at.

Your local parts place will test the alternator for free. The local
battery place will test you battery (under load, after charging) for
free. Someone else mentioned cables, just chuck out the repair terminals
and get a pair of NEW battery cables with molded ends. Total cost for
all of the above is 2 hours and $20.

EganReich wrote:
> Let's see if I can find anything out here that will help. This will
> be a lot of information, maybe too much.
>
> Ok.
>
> About a year ago, someone tried to steal the battery from my car.
> They cut the wires, and when they realized they couldn't remove the
> battery, they left it alone. (I know that someone was trying to steal
> it because the same night, my roomate's battery was stolen,
> successfully). I rigged up a new terminal and re-attached the wires.
>
> Later, the battery died. (It was old. So it seemed normal.) I
> replaced the battery, but after that the battery gauge sporadically
> dropped. It was fine for about a week, with the battery light coming
> on every once in a while, but it never affected how the car was
> running.
>
> But then the power failed, and I couldn't get it started again. I had
> to have it towed to the shop, where the mechanic replaced the
> alternator. (I had had a feeling that the alternator was a problem
> for some time, so it seemed like a sensible solution). I drove the
> car for two days after that, and now it's died again. The battery
> light comes on, the lights dim, and then I can't accelerate. If I
> leave it alone for a little while, it starts again, but only runs for
> a short time.
>
> If I assume that the alternator is fine (since I just had it
> replaced), what else could be the problem? Is it true that if the car
> starts, then the battery is probably ok?
>
> I really don't have any idea what the problem could be. Bad
> connection from the battery? What?
>
> Also, the Jeep just died in the projects, which is pretty awesome.
>
> Any help or advice would be enormously appreciated.
>

Re: Dead Battery (Alternator?) 1997 Jeep Wrangler...
 

I'm thinking that you have a bad cable, bad ground, etc that is
aggrevatating the alternator and battery. Pretyy much the whole system
is the battery, alternator, 2 big cables, one smaller cable from the
alternator to the battery.

The fact that the gauge seems to fluctuate on occassion and or dim
lights usually means a cable is flexing and giving a poor connection.
Repair terminals are a first part to look at.

Your local parts place will test the alternator for free. The local
battery place will test you battery (under load, after charging) for
free. Someone else mentioned cables, just chuck out the repair terminals
and get a pair of NEW battery cables with molded ends. Total cost for
all of the above is 2 hours and $20.

EganReich wrote:
> Let's see if I can find anything out here that will help. This will
> be a lot of information, maybe too much.
>
> Ok.
>
> About a year ago, someone tried to steal the battery from my car.
> They cut the wires, and when they realized they couldn't remove the
> battery, they left it alone. (I know that someone was trying to steal
> it because the same night, my roomate's battery was stolen,
> successfully). I rigged up a new terminal and re-attached the wires.
>
> Later, the battery died. (It was old. So it seemed normal.) I
> replaced the battery, but after that the battery gauge sporadically
> dropped. It was fine for about a week, with the battery light coming
> on every once in a while, but it never affected how the car was
> running.
>
> But then the power failed, and I couldn't get it started again. I had
> to have it towed to the shop, where the mechanic replaced the
> alternator. (I had had a feeling that the alternator was a problem
> for some time, so it seemed like a sensible solution). I drove the
> car for two days after that, and now it's died again. The battery
> light comes on, the lights dim, and then I can't accelerate. If I
> leave it alone for a little while, it starts again, but only runs for
> a short time.
>
> If I assume that the alternator is fine (since I just had it
> replaced), what else could be the problem? Is it true that if the car
> starts, then the battery is probably ok?
>
> I really don't have any idea what the problem could be. Bad
> connection from the battery? What?
>
> Also, the Jeep just died in the projects, which is pretty awesome.
>
> Any help or advice would be enormously appreciated.
>