Brand new battery but no interior lights, radio, or clock, battery won't charge when car is running, alternator tested fine

Diagnosing Common Automotive Charging System Problems

www.onallcylinders.com/.../diagnosing-some-common-charging-system-...

Sep 18, 2013 - Flickering gauges. ... Problem: The charge indicator light flickers while driving. .... My alternator has been replaced for the third time in 5 months. ... I bought a new regulator but it is still doing the same thing... .... my headlights wont turn on, car runs fine when jumped, battery last for maybe 3 hours, any ideas ...

All lights Flickering/Pulsating only when motor is running ...

www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-forum/t-221843.html

Feb 11, 2011 - So i have noticed for a while now that all my interior lighting (radio, tach, even ... Installed the battery and have not had issues starting since then. ... So now ipurchased a new alternator "just in case" figuring i would eliminate the .... Interior lights and headlights still seem to pulse/flicker while idling the most, ...

Lights Flickered. Replaced Alternator. Now more flicker? - Camaro ...

www.camarozone.com/.../lights-flickered-replaced-alternator-now-more-...

Apr 22, 2013 - 20 posts - ‎4 authors

Ok you need a test light to help you with the key on check all wire going to the altenator they should all have fire or 12 volts you probly have a broken fues able link near the battery post on the pos. check that post me back

was the alternator bench tested? or tested on the car? if the alternator tests good off the car and the wiring has been tested, the ground may be loose or disconnected.

Usually when your lit up like a christmas tree its a sign of battery not getting full charge. Check the wring harness first, (if alternator is new it should be under warranty so worth checking that out.) Especially if you have a multimeter handy: check DC voltage at the battery. with it running a decent charge would be abour 13.7-14.1. if you're some where around there you're good. if it's below that your alternator is failing in some manor.

Any codes?

Either its a bad new battery or tour altenator isn't charging it. Jumpstart it.

Your alternator is out. Those are classic symptoms of alternating going out. The alternator recharges your electrical system and when it goes out a list of strange things go on inside the dash, and you won't be able to go very far on just a battery. I'm glad you at least made it home. But yes you will need a new alternator for sure. Please rate this response so I can get my ratings back up to 90% at least.

If the alternator is charging properly, then you have a drain on the system that could come from anything eclectically powered, you will need to start by removing the fuse to the radio and/or clock, then connect a test light from the negative post on the battery to the battery cable (negative battery cable disconnected positive connected), if the light comes on, you have a drain and will need to start pulling and replacing fuses one by one to isolate the affected system, if the test light has not gone off while pulling fuses, you may have a drain coming from the alternator or starter and will have to disconnect those.

did they run a test on the alternator!! at battery when off should be at least 12.6 volts, less than 12 volts battery is bad. when running at battery voltage should be at least 14.1 to 14.7, thats if alternator is ok. if less than above replace alternator. if alt. is ok, could be a bad battery.

Well, if the alternator belt squeaks a little, it cannot be actually charging properly, resolve that...

First steps would be to fully charge the battery and measure the voltage. Turn of vehicle Disconnect the negative terminal overnight, for a night or two.

If battery still dead, focus on the battery.
If battery is not dead, put a volt meter between the negative terminal and cable and measure voltage... do not be mislead by interior lights, or clock, pull those fuses, during testing...

Anyways, keep going until you find a drain.

The alternator has diodes that can cause a drain...disconnect for testing purposes...

NEVER run the vehicle with the battery cable dicsonnected.

Doc