Drained battery will not charge when running

1996 GEO METRO
1,680,000 MILES • 1.3L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JOHNSOLOMONIAN
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  • 1 POST
My battery was drained and when it started by jumpstart I drove it about 12 miles battery never charged was still drained. I took positive cable off battery when engine was running engine stayed on. turned headlights on they were weak and drove it after I put pins cable back on battery. Lights stayed dim and battery didn't charge at all. have a radiator leak when hot with belts on but alternator belt feel a bit loose spouts coolant out from steam and steams engine. have radiator ordered just replaced water pump no more leaking from that. New belts but alt belt feels a little loose. Couldn't get the screws off the thermostat housing to replace with new one. What's making battery not charge?
Jan 27, 2021 at 5:21 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

First, it is never a good idea to take a battery cable off while the engine is running. It tests nothing and can damage the modules from a voltage surge.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

You need a voltmeter to test the voltage at the battery. You need 12.4 to 12.6 volts for the system to work.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

You may have a bad alternator as it is not maintaining the battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

Roy
Jan 27, 2021 at 6:12 AM