Bad battery or bad alternator symptoms, how to tell the difference (brief) not charging. - VOTD

This video will briefly explain how to tell if you have a bad auto battery or bad alternator.
Detailed info about bad batteries: • How to tell if your ca...
How to repair your alternator: • How to repair your alt...
How to purchase a used battery: • How to buy a good used...
Other starting issues: • Why wont my car start?...
How to test your starter: • How to tell if you hav...
-------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer: • In this video I share ...
Basic car care KZbin channel: / rspiwin
How to search my videos: • How to find videos on ...
Visit my Website for special tools, my wish list and other helpful information: www.RobertDIY.com
Support Robert, become a Patron: / robertdiyafterdark

[@NorthernChev]

This channel is a hidden gem on the Internet. Robert explains things more intelligently and clearly than many of the other more popular KZbin DIY guys.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for your kind words and for watching.

[@notsosure5924]

Robert DIY Hey I have a question...when I first got my car the charging light would come on then go off after i put gas on my car (the battery light has never come on) as of Saturday i went to start my car and it starts up like a dream but the dashboard lights took a while to turn off and go away and my automatic lights took longer to come on than usual. The dashboard and radio lights also take a bit to brighten up on their own too. Sunday the charging light has stayed on and has not went off. I've started the car 4 times since then and the lights still on. I want to say my best bet is the alternator failing the car is 17 years old btw with the original alternator...soo you think its my alternator too?

[@dissectcorpse6297]

NorthernChev you are so right

[@36rell]

NorthernChev yup yup

[@hugofraga4075]

NorthernChev yes exactly what I thought haha

[@ButternutBanyana]

Excellent breakdown. Best I have seen so far. I have a battery issue. Some mechanic was trying to hustle me, telling me I need an alternator which would have been so expensive. Thank you KZbin for all these brilliant people who are saving us from hustlers.

[@RobertDIY]

you are welcome.

[@jacsev9936]

I ought to have known this channel years ago and saved lots of dough on batteries and alternators, etc. Thiis channel is indeed a gem. Many thanks dude!

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@djbkb25]

I read in the comment section that this channel is a hidden gem on the internet. After watching this video I think that is true. Robert was able to give the thorough explanation in a short amount of time and never lost me once. As a guy who knows little to nothing about cars this was very helpful, I'll be referring to this channel for any other quick car tips, thanks.

[@RobertDIY]

+THEE Mike G. Thank you for watching.

[@louisrivera5041]

THEE Mike G.

[@vanialee3743]

Wish i could 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍⏫💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯 times this comment, so true

[@corbinhawker9837]

Your video has really helped me out ..thank u #5****

[@fardeennizami9278]

thank you for sharing this information with us , it’s very helpful to me ❤❤

[@shawncweed]

Robert...this was excellent...I liked how you explained things simply so us less mechanically inclined folks could understand it...Have a great Holiday season!

[@RobertDIY]

Shawn Weed Thanks for watching. Be safe.

[@SenecaTheDreamer]

Agreed. This was very helpful. My 735iL has a dead battery. Trying to figure out the problem. Thanks a lot for this. Cheers.

[@shawncweed]

Yeah...was trying to figure out how to narrow it down between the alternator and battery and Robert' addressed it right away...If the car starts with a jump and you can still drive it...you know it isn't the alternator...Voila...the 735 is a nice car...lots of room

[@j.b.9581]

Great video. No loud or weird music, simple instructions, and all of your discussion is relevant. Great job and thank you.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@Nobody2989]

Great video. I love how you got straight to the point with no filler and used a lot of common examples.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@jamesrichardson4965]

Best advice I ever heard. Thank you so much. Explains everything in so much detail as if he with me the whole time. I'm having the exact same problem with my SUV.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@opentrunk]

The last 15 seconds was gold, that's what I needed to know. Thanks!

[@tribeofjudah4680]

opentrunks Because the 8:30 seconds wasted your time.

[@chriswatley8512]

damn I did to

[@aaronshane1193]

none of that was a waste of time.

[@percymagee4359]

Agreed

[@bonganimalcolm6853]

Thanks my man

[@suertesandiego7970]

2019 I'm watching this. Still helpful. You will live for ever!

[@RobertDIY]

LoL thanks

[@delisia_j3220]

Me too!!!

[@stevemcknight7422]

Who are yu

[@dianevigil652]

@@stevemcknight7422 .

[@sriharshanamuduri8694]

@@dianevigil652 and me :) post the mechanic saying i need to change my battery. Trying to do debug. Thanks much!

[@kenej6950]

Found this video today (4 years after it was posted) and it's very informative. I had to get a jumpstart this morning then went ahead and got a battery. Thank you sir for posting this video. I learned quite a bit.

[@RobertDIY]

+Kene J good deal. Thank you for watching.

[@christopherwalkuw3458]

I’ve been stressing about my truck for almost a week now thinking I had a big problem. After watching this video I feel more confident that it’s the battery. He explains everything perfectly and made me feel a lot better. Thank you for this video

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@bsouza1675]

Nicely done. I finally understand the battery/alternator relationship, thank you 😊

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@drbanner70]

Thank you! This video was very informative. It helped me to determine I did in fact have a dead battery. Thanks again, Robert!

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@tic857]

I watched several videos and they paled in comparison on how well you explained things. You are a good teacher. Thanks. Especially the part about telling how that we should drive it for a while each week. Explains why my battery would go low so often, I took the bus to work during the week and only drove around short distance during the weekends.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@MOUNTA1N]

2021, and you just saved me a decent amount of money. my car failed on me just a while ago, and thanks to you I was able to pinpoint the problem. thanks Rob.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@Duvan-duvan]

Better explained is impossible. Thank you for making it clear and easy 2 understand.

[@RobertDIY]

+Duvan Real Estate you are welcome.

[@aaronshane1193]

He is the Bob Ross of auto information! Thank you Robert Spinner!!

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for watching.

[@srocks2003]

The best explanation! I've watched many KZbin videos and hands down your video was simple to the point. Replaced with a new battery, I was only able to drive a few blocks before the headlights dimmed. Cables terminals are tight and no visible corrosion on contact points on the cabling from battery to alternator. Thank you!

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@brendasmitherman7597]

Love you. You have given me more peace of mind in less than 10 minutes than I have had all weekend. Issue explained clearly and concisely thank you so much!

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@prettybubbles8954]

You really explained this better than anyone had. I appreciate it!!!! Thanks again!!!👍🏼

[@RobertDIY]

+Marlita Benning I aims to please. Thanks for watching.

[@cipher2]

This vid is concise and perfect, very well done. Thank you for taking the time to upload this video, very useful and helped me out a lot!

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@sarathranasinghe1671]

I went thru so many you tube clips just to get an idea why my Lexus quits running after a run and parked. Now i comprehend as an average street cave man.....Robert is amazing .keep up the excellent job Bless you.....

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching and for your support.

[@seanwade2253]

I've watched lots of his videos that have helped me troubleshoot and solve some problems with my old truck. Thanks for helping me save some $!! Glad u r out there.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@dr3way565]

You just saved my life with this man I was tripping at first but when you explained it, it was literally that was going on with my truck.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@kernow9324]

Robert, I've learnt things from you from watching just one of your videos! You're a find. Subscribed.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@kharris5395]

2020 and his knowledge still holds true. Thanks Robert👍🏾

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@Jojo-zp7fu]

You explained it better than any other channel I've watched about this issue. I appreciate what you do.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@BigBamm55]

I couldn’t remember the “tells”. Thank you awesome video.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@v9237]

Thank you for this! Everyone needs this information regardless of skill level.

[@RobertDIY]

You're very welcome!

[@licencefree9362]

Excellent video. It's time I learned how to detect any problems and fix my own car, and with videos like this, I should learn in no time. Thank you!

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for the kind words. Hope you find all the info you need.

[@bhumphries1360]

Thank you so much for this video. Extremely informative! You explain things very thoroughly for people with little experience with vehicles. I can't thank you enough!

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@KevinIndreland]

Good info my friend! Thanks a million for your time and this video.

[@j200gibbo]

""Thanks a million"" = Gotta be Irish ;-)

[@DavidSmith-mk7qo]

You are correct in saying that 9 volts may not be adequate to engage and turn the starter. When dealing with a starter issue you must remember it also takes AMPS to turn a starter. More than any other electrical device on the vehicle. Therefore a battery may show 12 plus volts on the meter but lack the amperage to power the starter. Sometimes they will even start with a jump because you are adding AMPS and volts to the system. Great video with good information.

[@RobertDIY]

+David Smith Thanks for your comments and the reminder.

[@dtvjho]

A battery with a good charge will be able to send a lot of amps to the starter all at once, and it'll turn and start the engine. If you check the battery beforehand, the volts will be high too. 12.6 Volts is the standard for a good battery. Now, a battery with a couple bad cells may show good on volts, but when you turn the key, all six cells will start sending current to the starter, but the bad cells will run out fast. You may get one decent turn on the starter. The good cells can still produce current, so you may get the engine started if there's enough current coming from the rest of the battery.

[@AWin187]

You're a life saver! I bought a used 02 subaru 5 years ago and the battery was 2 years old and i only use it 2 times a day to go to work 8 minutes away and then to go get food once a week 10 minutes away. Yesterday i couldn't start it. I know now it is the battery! I had no idea you had to run it more than that to maintain a healthy batter but i give credit to my battery for lasting 7 years! Thank you for this!

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@herns18]

Great video Robert....you are such a great teacher: well spoken and you clearly explain the difference between the two issues with some practical scenarios. That's how it should be done. Awesome job!!!!

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching.

[@tobymarley1]

Holy shit. I cant believe how much I just learned. Thank you so much.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@lilyjameson5156]

Thank you so much! I needed clarity on what was going on with both of my cars. I haven't been driving them much at all, and they're constantly giving me issues starting up.

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for watching.

[@moniqueluna4811]

This guy explains very well. Whenever I have a car problem, and I see his face, I click on his videos. Very helpful and thorough.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@Bigjay88888]

love how you explain things simple and easy subbing

[@RobertDIY]

Thank you sir.

[@voicewithin9316]

This guy is gold in my book. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I wish you were my mechanic 👨‍🔧

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@Christine-pb5xz]

Thanks for clarifying whether it's the alternator or battery problem. Much needed information for this week's schedule. Have a great day😀

[@RobertDIY]

you are welcome.

[@Vintagebon2]

Thank you very much! This video explained why I've required frequent jump starts. I don't drive the car enough and now, I need a new battery.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@icarrrv]

Thanks for the detailed information. Great video thank you.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@factdesignbr]

To testmy alternator all i did was taking the battery off the car withit working. Revved it abit and checked if it would die... It didnt... I could use any electric stuff ... Like lights.. Windows... Stereo... Only tofind out my battery was 2 + years old and was dead... Would charge on slow charging method with a charger.. Crank the engine but... After two or three times it would die again... Watching ur video helped me understand why... The Amps... 12v but almost no Crank amps ya know? Thank u sir. May theLord bless u with all u need and want. U r amazing. In jesus name i pray.amen.

[@RobertDIY]

Fel Ta Thanks for your kind words and prayer.

[@boscogong4242]

Thanks. You mentioned the scenario I had. I was driving along a major highway and then 3 idiot lights came on (TCS, ABS, and one other). I didn't think too much of it because Infiniti Gs have lights that come on if the brake fluid level drops as the brake pads start to wear. But, then my dash went black and fortunately, I had enough momentum to pull over to the shoulder. After an hour, I got a tow back to the house and was able to jump start the car. I have an appointment tomorrow with the local mechanic to inspect the alternator. The drive belt is still there, so I suspect it is the alternator. Car has about 90K miles. Going through the KZbin videos, I'm glad I saw this to validate what I thought the problem was. Good details. I still bought a new battery since I don't trust a 5-1/2 year old battery that goes through a major discharge like I had, if it was due to the alternator.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@Zaycream21]

Every video of his I've seen, the comments are very respectful. That's nice to see. And thanks for all the help!

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@aretbasmacioglu5673]

Thats what i call good understandble and professionnal explanation. Thanks so much brother ! 100% THATS YOUR NOTE.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@garethbartlett3076]

I couldn't agree more 👍

[@Branman345]

This was a great video. very detailed and made a lot of sense, many videos that I've watched don't make sense and are messy. You did a great explanation and you solved the problem that I was having time for me to get a new battery for my car.

[@RobertDIY]

Hi Brandon, thanks for watching. I'm not sure why so many that have the knowledge we need have such a hard time conveying that knowledge to us/others? I think their desire to sound "smart" gets in the way. Brandon Murray

[@Branman345]

Your welcome Robert DIY and that's what I was thinking to people let sounding smart get in the way.

[@GUIRADE95]

Robert DIY That's right my men, many folks try to be smarter than what they really are, just big fingers (mouth in reality) to type all kind of crap, keep up with the good work!

[@irenetapper6499]

Brandon Murray iI

[@kanealson5200]

All of your videos are great. You're the real youtube help center. Keep it up!

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@sjr7822]

Excellent, I'm one of those that never drive my truck, it sits, and I have issues, now I know I have to drive at least 1 hour per week to keep the battery alive. Very well explained

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@jeffreyhinton5575]

Thank you for a clear cogent explanation. This was just what I was looking for.

[@RobertDIY]

Jeffrey Hinton Good deal. Thanks for watching.

[@leighwhisnant3139]

lllpo p

[@GregMadeaVideo]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@RobertDIY]

POPcrackle.com Thanks for watching.

[@davidcromer2675]

This guy always gives good information and anyone can understand what he’s talking about.

[@RobertDIY]

+David Cromer thanks for watching and sharing.

[@MegaMusical10]

Thank you for really breaking it down for a lady who had no clue. Good job!!

[@RobertDIY]

+MegaMusical10 you are welcome.

[@jannafoster7423]

*This battery reconditioning program exceeded my presumptions. It worked on any drill battery, several AA and AAA batteries, **batery.repair** and any camera battery. The steps are simple and the act itself is exciting to do. No matter what type of battery you`ve got, it is sure to function again!*

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for watching.

[@fukkNrockbec]

I was really thinking that the alternator was goin. You convinced me it's that damn battery. Thanks a lot man! :)

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@metrosb2593]

Thanks! My battery seems to keep a charge for only a week I wasn't sure if it was the alt or battery but your video explained it very well 👍🏾👌🏾

[@RobertDIY]

+Bajwa94G good deal. Thanks for watching.

[@kjohnsonar]

Wow wow wow this is the first KZbin show I've watched where it was straightforward and actually show me what to do simply I love it keep it up man

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@Justme-uz2kf]

Ok. Its my alternator. GREAT VIDEO Thanks 🙏🏽

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@clayhunn6355]

thank you so much! you broke everything down so well

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@AngieWy]

Wow, you taught me a lot all in about 10 minutes. Had to rewind a few times to fully understand though. When you pointed to the alternator you said, you can see it down there. Nope. All I saw was a bunch of wires lol. I'm so used to depending on someone else, but I'd like to learn for myself. Thank you Robert!

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for watching. I'd like to remix this video to help people see clearer but it's my #1 video and I can't afford to lose it's search position.

[@gdp14u2uz]

Thank you, very informative. The part about driving the car for 30 mins to 1 hour rather than short trips to work of 5 mins I did not know this. Thank you again for the video.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@slamminsammy941]

Thanks for the video finally the info I was looking for , appreciate it.

[@RobertDIY]

Thaks for watching.

[@soonwonj]

One of the best KZbin instructions!! Thanks for explaining the topic so easy to understand.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@shufflechick23]

God bless you robert! this is the only youtube video ive come across that actually explains and addresses my question in a way i could comprehend.

[@RobertDIY]

Thank you very much.

[@xxkaykittyxx]

Vw Jetta 2014, won’t start but after it’s jump started I drove around for over 30 mins. Got home, turned it off and started it again with struggle, turned off and tried again, wouldn’t start. I feel more comfortable knowing it is unlikely to be the alternator, this video was of great help! I at least know I should get the battery tested 1st.

[@RobertDIY]

+Kari Hatake good deal.

[@juliefaiella]

You’re so nice. I am at ease for the moment. Thank you. I’ve subscribed.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@anthonym612]

Thanks for making these videos, Robert - great work sir!

[@RobertDIY]

+Anthony Merwin you are welcome.

[@colecole2459]

I would love to donate my dodge Durango for you to do videos. You are the 1st person who I actually understand!

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@JayJay-uw7br]

Thank you sir I was so close to buying a new alternator but I saw this replaced the battery and everything has been smooth sailing :)

[@RobertDIY]

Awesome

[@ThinkerThunker]

Well done, thumbs up, thanks :)

[@RobertDIY]

***** Thanks for watching.

[@mikesback2008]

thanks robert for the tips. really help me out ALOT.

[@jamesanonymous2343]

SUPER JOB ROBERT, YOU KNOW THE ISSUES & HOW TO COMMUNICATE TO THE NOVICES.

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for watching.

[@jaqlyn3451]

only half way through ur video. already got more answer than any of the 75-100 i viewed before this one. thanx bunches.

[@RobertDIY]

Ouch! Thanks for watching.

[@LiquidPinkLady]

Thank you again. This was very helpful! Have a beautiful week.

[@RobertDIY]

Thank you. You have a great week as well.

[@lincolnmuri3308]

Thank you, comprehensive explanation!

[@RobertDIY]

+Raider Linc you are welcome.

[@dsmith019]

That explanation was amazing! I can almost say for certain that it is my battery. It worked just fine yesterday and didn't start today.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@dsmith019]

@@RobertDIY Thanks for the tips in the vid. I did notice a lot of corrosion on the battery terminals. I bought some cleaning solution from Autozone to clean it with. I had no issues for a few days and was able to drive it just fine, but then again it doesn't start, so yep, I think the battery is dead. the lights come on, and the starter is powered, but no engine start-up. 2004 ford Mustang V6. I'm learning a lot from all of these vids. I like to do things myself if I can.

[@zuluhawk6346]

8 years later and this vid helped me out, much love.

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for watching.

[@ahmedshawkyelshebiny]

This was very helpful thanks so much for this. I enjoy you videos sir. Keep it up.

[@RobertDIY]

+Ahmed Elshebiny good deal, thanks for watching.

[@WhitfieldsFoodRevue]

Thank you, my friend. Your video helped out immensely!

[@RobertDIY]

***** Good deal. Thanks for watching.

[@ForgetMeNever18]

I just replaced my alternator and battery a few months ago...my car battery is totally dead and I wasn’t sure what the issue is. But now I think it’s a battery problem! Thank you so much

[@RobertDIY]

you are wecome.

[@AriDemopoulosOnline]

I watched 5 videos about this problem, and none of them were able to make any sense as to whether I have a battery problem or an alternator problem. This was the best and easiest explanation ... bad battery = jump-start ----->> able to drive around... bad alternator = jump-start ----->>> start driving and the car stalls... Thank you for this easy explanation. You just saved me 2 - 3 hundred dollars by taking the car to one of these crooks... For that, I m subscribing to your channel. Salut!

[@RobertDIY]

Glad it helped. I try to make it so that anyone can understand.

[@davidbarlow269]

Hi. I often follow Robert and his presentation and knowledge is excellent. I particularly appreciate his steady camera work clear and simple concise language . Also I just love Volvo's and so does he. Keep up the great work Robert. Well done. Rgds David from Australia.

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for watching.

[@Daniel-zr9xq]

thanks pal you are A good MAN

[@Tulizx]

So helpful, thank you!

[@RobertDIY]

+Tulizx you are welcome

[@taliabowleg3091]

Thank you so much. This was very educational. My car shut down on me while driving and won't turn over anymore so now I know for sure it was my alternator.

[@RobertDIY]

+Talia Bowleg thanks for watching.

[@eliseol.6788]

The end was perfect i was waiting to hear something about transmission not shifting properly!! The whole video is perfect thank you sooo much👌🏽👌🏽

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@tuberdudem]

Hey Robert, thank you for making this video. It was really helpful. God bless u.

[@RobertDIY]

Thank you for watching.

[@IMBill2012]

Thanks for taking the time to help your fellow man. People should check that the repair shop has ASE certified mechanics trained on charging systems. Otherwise they'll just start changing parts until they stumble across what's actually the issue. Thanks again Robert

[@RobertDIY]

+WAM BILL You are welcome.

[@tonesyolo4658]

Hi Robert I just found you. I'm impressed with the appreciated comments looking for to getting mechanically improved from near scratch

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@brookebrothers9883]

You've explained this better than literally all of the mechanics I've gone to.

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for watching.

[@tess2626]

Great video, thanks!

[@davidoulton4541]

tess2626 y

[@ProbablydoingsomeResearch]

Now at least I know where to start! Thanks!

[@user-lj7oc6tc4o]

Researching my problem, i stumbled on this and WOW such a PERFECT presentation im gonna look for more! THANK YOU!

[@RobertDIY]

You're so welcome!

[@cynthialinn1120]

Thank you so much for this video I spent so much money having mobile machanics come out I showed my husband your video tryed a new battery car started right up.thank you!!!

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@greentravelwarrior2580]

Thanks for the insight!

[@RobertDIY]

+GreenTravel Warrior you are welcome.

[@ronmiller1794]

i wish you lived next door to me

[@RobertDIY]

+frank dulls LOL, thanks for watching.

[@williamfozard6350]

The best

[@fritzkeller7567]

Don't let him fox your girls car, he's a playa smoovetalka. Werd.

[@lewjones3]

Ron Miller lol... right

[@jeeperscreepers3782]

Ron Miller yoooooo foreal seems like a great neighbor to have i would invite him to all my cookouts/partys

[@illglenco]

Thank you sir, your tip about the contacts being clean and tight was right on. Thanks again.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@acmromano]

Thanks alot! Very informal, I was having issues with my car starting and I wasn't sure if it was the alternator or my battery. A mechanic was making me buy an alternator and a starter and a new battery when all it really was, was a faulty battery.

[@RobertDIY]

+Anna M hopefully you figured it out before you spent a lot of money.