92 Chey Lumina Won't keep a charge

1992 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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GINNAKELLY
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So my car was making a ticking nosie to start up yesterday and today I had to get it boosted to get it going, but as soon as its turned off it won't turn back on. The alternator looks faily new. I just bought the car a few months ago. Could it be a battery issue or is there things I can do to test to see what it is before I take it to get it fixed.

Also is there a likelyhood that a car with this problem would keep a charge while driving for an hour so I can get to my normal mechanic or should I not chance it and get it fixed where I am?
Dec 13, 2006 at 2:36 PM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
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Sounds like the alternator is bad. If you have a voltmeter you could test it. You will need the battery at a full state of charge to preform any test. Connect the postive lead of the meter to the postive of the battery and the negative to the negative. Start the car and observe the meter the voltage should be between 13.5 and 15.5 for most cars If not the alternator is defective. Good luck
Backyardmechanic :)
Dec 13, 2006 at 2:54 PM