Can't Hold a Charge

[Narciss]

I have a 1996 Camry coupe, 4cylinder.

It works fine when i jump the car, but i can't start it with out a jump. the battery isn't dead, i recently replaced the negative cable on it and it worked fine for a few weeks but i'm having the same issue again.

what could be happening

Thanks in advance.

[bigbird]

sounds like either a bad alternator or a short in the system thats draining the battery.

[Narciss]

thanks for the idea, i was really hoping i don't have to replace the alternator though

[Mike Gerber]

If you have Autozone in your area they will test your battery and alternator while still on the car for free. Jump start the car and drive it over there. Leave it running and go inside and ask them to do the test. You might want to call them first (or other auto parts stores in your area) and make sure that they offer this free service and that their equipment is currently working.

Mike

[ghettosled]

are all the connections secure? are the water levels in the battery low?

[Narciss]

@ghetto - all the connections are secure that i know of (positive to the battery and negative to the battery and the other end of it lol)

@mike - that's a really good idea thanks, i just tired of driving the kia bye now and it's only been a couple of days :/

[Narciss]

Decided to have one more look, the negative and positive cables, when pulling off the positive cable the posted came out too sooooo i pretty much replaced the battery and now my problems are over with i'm just glad it wasn't the alternator, thanks for the help guys