Well, I've had my car for over a month now with NO issues. All of the sudden, after sitting for a week (not unusual), I had a dead battery. The battery is new (dated 12/07) and I was able to get the car started after jumping it. However, today I went out to start it again (2 days since being driven) and there is barely enough of the battery left to turn on the dome light. Where do I start? I'm hoping it is something simple like a bad alternator or whatever. I have a multimeter but have never tested an alternator before. Thanks for any tips! I'm crossing my fingers that this isn't an electrical gremlin!

Something is probably draining the battery when the car is sitting. Try the drain test...


To test for the drain, disconnect any clocks and radio with memory, with the car off and everything turned off, (key is out and doors closed) disconnect positive battery cable and connect a test light inline between the cable and the battery (do not let the cable touch ground), with a drain the light will be lit. You need to make the light go out to find the drain. Disconnect things one at a time till the light goes out. First disconnect the alternator and voltage regulator plug, then fuses at the fuse box.

If, after trying what Greg suggested doesn't work, take the alternator and battery down to be tested at the local auto parts store.

Assume Nothing!

Also, go out and with the lights off look to see if you can see any lights remaining on in the trunk, under the hood, glove compartment, etc.

Finally, clean battery terminals and all grounds.

Steve

Put meter on your alternator and see of it is charging. I check mine at the horn relay with engine running, 12.9 is just battery, alternator is not charging. 14.+, alternator is charging.