Hi all,
I need some help.
My car doesn't start unless you jump the batter, then it is fine. I drove it for an hour to charge everything up. Then I came home and turned it off, then turned it on immediatly after....no luck - battery dead.

Is it the batter that need to be replaced or is it an alternator problem.

Any insights???

THanks!

 

You should have the battery and alternator tested to verify the problem. Most likely your battery won't accept a charge. You could try charging it yourself and/or getting it tested for free at a place like uap napa.

 

To see if it's the alternator (which from what you said I don't think it is) you should start the car and then disconnect the battery. If the car stays running and all lights are fine then it's not the alternator. If the lights dim badly or the car shuts off then it's probably your alternator. The battery starts the car, the alternator takes over from there and keeps the car supplied with plenty of power while running.

As for the battery, make sure you have plenty of water in it first. Have it tested. Based off what you said I would think it's the battery.

 

THanks Guys,
I will test and check all of that. I hope its just a battery Issue.

You would figure buying a luxury sports car that Infinity would throw in a maintenance free battery...sheesh.

 

infiniti*

 

OMG!!! Ooops!

 

So I picked up an Optima Red Top and threw that in.
It starts and drives better now.

BUT..I did that alternator test that Twin001 said (start car then disconnect battery). The car ran, but as soon as I turned on the lights it died.

So...Now what?

 

i'd take the car to autozone, double check and have them test the alternator, if it is the alternator, you need a new one

 

Auto Value (here in canada) wanted me to pull out the alternator first...ummm...I don't want to do that.
So i picked up a multi meter and did some voltage tests as per some auto forum's instructions. Everything looks good! New battery running a strong 12.64V when car is off and 14.6V when the car is on, showing that the alternator is working. I will use the multi meter to test out some other things, this is my first time using one!!
I hear that when you put in a new battery the car needs some time to relearn some things and might seem sluggish for a bit???? I dunno.

Thanks everyone!! I hope this is the end of this problem!