That's why it runs when you jump start it; a different car's battery is charging yours. But after driving for a while, your battery loses it's power because nothing is charging it anymore. Alternators aren't TERRIBLY expensive, when i replace mine it was about 200 bucks i think.
When the car is started (jumped) do you run it for at LEAST 1 hour to charge the dead battery? No thought not. That is why the battery is dead again the next time. Taker it OFF the car and put it on a car battery charger overnight so it finally gets a FULL charge. Then ESPECIALLY in winter avoid doing too many short trips with lights,radio,heater and all the other BATTERY DRAINING electrics switched on full.
Did you not do PHYSICS in school.
If the car runs once it gets started, then there is nothing wrong with the alternator. It sounds like your new battery will not hold a charge. That happens. Take it back to the shop where you bought it and have it tested. BTW, it could simply be that the battery cables are loose or need to be cleaned.
I had the exact same problem with my car. Have the battery and alternator tested at an auto parts store. They can tell you if your alternator or battery is bad. In my experience, my batteries wouldnt hold a charge. As it turned out, I had a parasitic draw. My interior lights were pulling current at all times ruining my batteries. Also have your battery cables and terminals checked.
Check you ground. Not just the black negative cable or terminal. Check you ground to chassis or block.
new batteries often need to be charged.
I just bought a brand new battery and now my car won't start. At first it would make a clicking sound but now nothing at all. When I turn on my headlights they are dim. Whenever I get a jump it always starts up though. Does anyone know what could be wrong? Thanks in advance.
