Battery or Alternator ???????

[chrisgarrett]

My battery keeps losing it's charge.  I have to keep it on the trickle charger.  I'm assuming it's the battery and not the alternator.  The battery is about 6-7 years old and the car is only driven seasonally and occasionally.  I know there is a possiblity the problem could be the alternator and not the battery.  Is there a way to find out without removing the alternator?

[SuperSix]

The battery is beyond it's useful life. 3-4 years is a good rule. Even on a trickle charger and minimal use, I would replace it every 4 years. That being said - how long does it take to lose it's charge?

[chrisgarrett]

Not sure, but I'm thinking overnight, if it's not on the charger.

[gordyzx9r]

You need to order a gold plated 440 gigawatt alternator from "power sons of bitches" and put a 2 gauge wire between the alternator and something something :phpbbt;

[chrisgarrett]

Can you put two of those PowerMotherFuc kers in a parallel connection?  I want power man.

[gordyzx9r]

Only if you install 4 red's volt boosters in tandem.


Steve's head is going to explode.

[DCEPTCN]

Jesus, dude- just take the fucking battery to Wally World or any auto parts store for a free test.

[SuperSix]

Not sure, but I'm thinking overnight, if it's not on the charger.

I would start by replacing the battery - but overnight is pretty drastic.

I see Kirban's is having an alternator sale.

[daveismissing]

7 years. How long did you expect it to last?
I'd assume for now the alt is good if you see over 13.2volts when running.
Who does it better than Steve and Ed:
http://www.vortexbuicks-etc.com/alternatorselection.htm

[Top Speed]

I'd also say the battery is too old.

[gordyzx9r]

So how is it that all these die hard GNX owners that say they're cars are all 100% original still using the OEM battery that came with the car?

[SuperSix]

So how is it that all these die hard GNX owners that say they're cars are all 100% original still using the OEM battery that came with the car?

You think they have 24 year old batteries?

[gordyzx9r]

So how is it that all these die hard GNX owners that say they're cars are all 100% original still using the OEM battery that came with the car?

You think they have 24 year old batteries?

I wouldn't think they would, but if you look at some of the ads on ebay or tb.com for a GNX they'll usually make a comment about how the OEM tires are still on the car as well as the OEM battery (or that they have the OEM battery in some kind of sealed container).

[ULYCYC]

Go spend some of your ice cream money on a new battery.

[chrisgarrett]

Yeah, I'm getting a new battery today and I'm having the alternator tested.  If the battery and/or alternator are compromised, can it effect the driveablility of the car?  Yesterday, I started the car and it ran up a very high idle (1800rpms) and faultered and finally died.  It showed a code 34, but I think that was just because of the high idle.  Any ideas?