Charging problems

[Cozmo]

Okay so my battery started failing while driving. Alternator right? Well I had the alternator replaced and it failed. Had THAT alternator replaced and I'm still having problems. Under study the alternator works when it feels like it (rarely.) The battery is testing very well. I can charge the battery with an external charger and that keeps the car on the road for a few short trips but no more than that. Any ideas?

[Cozmo]

Update.

I ended up taking it to the dealership since my local garage couldn't figure out the problem. The dealer charged me $140.00 for a diagnostic. They say its corrosion on the positive battery cable and its fuse. I asked to look at it but they already took it out of the bay. I don't know what the hell most things are under my hood and I've already been taken on an expensive ride. Before I let them order the cable could someone let me know if this sounds right?

On the way home from the dealership the car died...again.

[GapBoyPCS]

It's VERY rare that you'll have to replace your alternator that much, especially if you use a quality remanufactured one or a brand new one. That being said, I'm not sure how you or your local garage is testing the charging system of the car to make sure the alternator was actually the part that's failing. Any time your car's battery starts going, people first assume the battery itself (especially if it's 5 years old), and then they start wondering about the alternator and other parts of the charging system (like wires or fuses or other modules).

Really it's up to you if you want to go ahead with the repair at the dealership. Hopefully the dealer gave you paperwork regarding the diagnostic and noting what's wrong and what needs to be repaired. You could get a second opinion from your local garage.

I'll move this to Team Tech for additional input.

[Focus126]

Originally Posted by Cozmo

Update.

I ended up taking it to the dealership since my local garage couldn't figure out the problem. The dealer charged me $140.00 for a diagnostic. They say its corrosion on the positive battery cable and its fuse. I asked to look at it but they already took it out of the bay. I don't know what the hell most things are under my hood and I've already been taken on an expensive ride. Before I let them order the cable could someone let me know if this sounds right?

On the way home from the dealership the car died...again.

a bad + cable can kill your alternator in a matter of time, and if your orginal shop missdiags that problem and put a new alternator that alternator might be on its way out too.

alot of people just jump to a alternator before checking other parts of the charging system.

most of the alternators, at shops are remanufactured alternators they are not new.

[mikeeshaq]

I had a bad positive cable. Seems there was a crack in the battery case (I saw the crack) and the acid fumes 'ate' into the connection where the cables go into the clamp. Oh yes that took out the alternator too!. Battery, cable assembly loom, alternator.