Charging system help!!!!

[strong_like_tractor]

Last week (thursday) I changed my battery on my 95 pathfinder because the old one wasn't holding a charge. I noticed that yesterday and today it was getting harder and harder to start. This morning I cleaned the engine ground/negative side of the battery cables. Then started the truck (barely) and let it idle for 30-40 minutes. Charging voltage was always between 14-14.5 volts regardless of engine rpm. I turned the truck off and didn't have enough juice to start. What am I missing? Should I replace the alternator?

Thanks
JP

[CurleyMan]

Are you sure it isn't the starter. Have you noticed anything else that would point to an electrical problem. Are your lights dim because it kinda just sounds like a starter problem.

[Packman5280]

14-14.5V charging is good, doesn't sound like the alt. it's possible you have a bad battery evn though it is new. what do you mean you had trouble starting it? slow cranking or just nothing till you try it a few times and eventually catches? auto or manual, cuz there is a known problem with the autos and a starting relay that goes bad.

[ChefTyler]

I turned the truck off and didn't have enough juice to start.
JP

Did you measure the Volts on the battery with the ignition off?

[soccerbrace]

Do you have an engine code or a battery light?

[Allen Cox]

I'd also check the main fuse for corrosion and/or looseness.

Double check the cranking volts, making sure your starter isn't just sucking your battery dry. An excessive starter draw can kill a battery while still turn the engine over.

Also, if you go to some place like Vatozone or similar, they'll more than likely be able to take their little machine out to your truck and test the battery, starter and alternator right there.

[Chainsaw]

Start the truck and pull the positive off the battery, if it dies look into and alt.

[OdiN]

Also, if you go to some place like Vatozone or similar, they'll more than likely be able to take their little machine out to your truck and test the battery, starter and alternator right there.

I tried to get them to test all that on my GF's car and they insisted they could only test the alternator if I took it out and brought it in by itself.

I hate AutoZone - horrible service, but if I just need a quick piece I sometimes go there. Try to go to Napa when I can since they seem to give a crap about customer service.

[Allen Cox]

Then perhaps Checker. Whatever place that has a separate starter/charging system tester that can go out to your vehicle without taking it apart.

[OdiN]

No I mean I think they just didn't want to do it because there was a lot of people in there.

They had one of those big units that you can wheel out, but I wouldn't know if that particular one tests all three or not so I can't be certain.

[soccerbrace]

In my very recent experience, at Auto Zone, they said my alternator was bad. 30 minutes later, at Advance Auto, it tested fine. Get a few different opinions.