Battery / Alternator / Starter probs?

[corrado15]

Hi,

I'm a bit clueless with all this automotive stuff, so please excuse if I'm asking silly questions.

My wife went to start her 02 Limited this afternoon. Engine wouldn't crank - just repeated fast clicks from the engine bay. At that point I'm thinking battery or starter problem.

When I got home from work I started it with booster cables from my Exploder. It idled for a second or two and then stopped. Started it again with booster cables, took it out for a 20 min drive with no problems or warning lights. Got home, tried to start it again immediately with no success (same clicking noise from the engine bay). Since the starter obviously works when given adequate power from the Exploder, I'm now thinking battery or alternator problems.

The battery is the original so is now 5 years old and has the 'eye' indicator on the top (I don't know the significance - just saw it mentioned in other posts). I topped up the distilled water, boosted it from my Exploder and took it for a 25 minute drive in the dark with the headlights and fog lights on etc. Got back home, lights are as bright as they should be which makes me think the alternator is fine. Still wouldn't start again though.

So, as far as I can tell, I've narrowed it down to the battery. The connections are tight, there's a little corrosion around the negative terminal but nothing too bad.

Would you all agree the battery is the problem? Is there something I missed?

What size and make of battery would I need to replace the stock item?

Sorry for the lengthy email...

D.

 

[tjkj2002]

Your battery is shot,replace it and you'll be fine,

 

[K Dje Ryu]

one quick way to test a battery/alternator problem: Start the engine, disconnect the battery. If it dies the alternator isn't working.

Can't help with size and such. Mine's still running on the stock stuff.

 

[Atrus]

Take it over to Autozone...they'll check the battery for free. I think they can check the alternator while it's on the vehicle too.

FWIW, I think it's the battery as well.

 

[corrado15]

Thanks for the replies.

D.

 

[Prest989]

It could also be that bit of corrosion. Mine did the EXACT same thing. I went ahead and setup an appointment at the dealership to get it service. Just before calling a tow truck to pull it in, I sanded off the corrosion around the negative terminal, and the problem was solved.

 

[JeepJeepster]

If it was the alternator then it wouldnt run after you get it started. If the battery cant start the Jeep, then its not going to keep the Jeep running once you boost it.

battery.

 

[Marlon_JB2]

Battery.

 

[corrado15]

The 'eye' in the battery is a condition indicator, if it's green=OK. If it's black= not ok / no power or broken....

The eye is black, so it looks like to battery is def at fault.

Many thanks for your replies. I'll try cleaning the terminals - if that doesn't work, it's time for a new battery.

Many thanks,

D.

 

[corrado15]

Picked up a battery at Walmart today. Did the trick - starting fine now.

Many thanks for the help.

D.