Alternator or battery?

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Nov 28, 2010 | 11:10 AM

GSLEX0586

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Driver

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From: CA

Alternator or battery?

I'm assuming this is my battery but wanted quick input..

when car starts, it struggles sometimes ( the lights on the gauges dim out for a sec and u can hear the car struggling to start)

If i leave my car in idle with the lights and radio on, turn the car off, and try to start again, it will struggle more than usual

if i leave my radio/lights on with the car on ACC mode for even 5 minutes, the car will fail to start without a jump

I'm thinking of replacing with an optima battery as long as its not the alternator

Nov 28, 2010 | 04:22 PM

BinaryJay

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From: Toronto

If it was the alternator, your battery would be dead as a doorknob in no time at all. The car would just quit on you while you're driving.

Nov 28, 2010 | 04:51 PM

Kcook700

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From: CA

While your car is running, if you remove your positive battery terminal and the car dies, its your alternator. If it still runs, your alternator is fine and its most likely your battery.