Lately when i've been driving and coming to a stop, the power will shut down and then come right back on a couple seconds later. it's happened a few times just driving normal on streets and freeways. the check engine light is on. about half the time i start it, i'll have to try twice and it always starts the second time.
now, we just had a big snow and cold weather here the last couple of days and i tried starting it today and it cranked a couple times and then i heard a "thunk" in the engine and the battery died. had a battery service truck come to check the battery, which was indeed almost dead. the battery is about 3 years old and after i looked under the hood there was some acid bubbling on the positive anode. the service guy tried jumping it but it just wouldn't start. we may not have given it long enough to charge.
my question is, is this an alternator problem or could it (hopefully) be something cheaper like fuses, battery cables, and/or battery?
Sounds to me like the battery post is breaking away from the internal plates. This is something that happens from time to time with a battery.
SOURCE: 3-yr old battery went dead in my 2002 chevy S10 pickup
Yes, it sounds like your alternator is short circuited internally. Replace alternator with high quality rebuilt unit
how does the alternater works
Alternator and Charging System
A battery is needed to power the operating system of your car. Once the vehicle is running the battery is charged by the alternator which is driven by the engine. While in operation the alternator creates electricity, about 13.6 to 14.3 volts, and recharges the battery to its original state of charge. The alternator is one of the hardest working electrical components in your vehicle. When your vehicle is running the alternator is busy creating electricity to provide the engine and the car accessories with needed power. When the car is not running and your battery is severely discharged some electrical components may still operate or operate poorly. Typically, these components are designed to operate properly at 12 volts; if the system voltage is low it can cause erratic symptoms.
to check out how the alternater looks .
When jump started a severely discharged battery can cause the alternator to overload and internally fail. If this occurs replace the battery before replacing the alternator. This will help prevent a second alternator failure. Most vehicles use a multi-ribbed belt connected to the engine to rotate the armature inside the alternator. If the belt fails it should be replaced immediately. Belt tension should be taught. If it isn't, check the belt tensioner. It may need to be replaced or the incorrect size belt may have been installed. Either of these conditions can cause the vehicle to stall and not restart.
click the link
http://www.2carpros.com/how_does_it_work/alternator.htm
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