Newly Charged battery, then dies. (searched but making sure)

[jsxr14s]

I have already searched and did not find an exact match.
It sounds like the alternator, but i'm open for other less costly possibilities and just some confirmation.

Last week, i was driving my car home from the mall to home at night (10miles). It started but battery light and brake light stayed on. As i drove the battery indicator light turned off passed a certain rpm, but would return and light up when the rpm went under again. Fortunately i was able to make it home, but struggled up my driveway, and barely made it all the way in only after i turned off my headlights.
After i turned off my car, it would not start again.
I disconnected the battery and cleaned the terminals off of the built up corrosion hoping that it was just a bad dirty connection. Not the problem.
I bring the battery to autozone to have it checked and charged (for free). Now the battery is supposed to be good and fully charged.
Battery is installed and starts and is running in my driveway for over 20min.
However the battery light indicator and brake lights stay on (even when i release the ebrake) under 2700 rpm. Five more minutes, the car struggles to stay on with the lights on and eventually the engine shuts off.
My car clicks and clicks multiple times in one turn of the key but does not start.

I was told it may be the alternator. any likely alternatives? loose connection? maybe the battery just needs to go?

A long story, but i just wanted to make it as clear as possible.
Thanks for reading and help in advance

[5t341tH]

replace ur alternator.

[Rapier46]

I'd call alternator.


Probably get one from a junkyard for very cheap if you have a KA.

[ryguy]

x3 on the alternator

[jsxr14s]

thanks guys. but what do you all think of rebuilt alternators?

[jsxr14s]

And can someone please explain why they believe it is the alternator? based on my description, why are my brake lights on? why not the oil or airbag? why does it go off passed a certain rpm? why does it click when i turn the key? and clicks multiple times? I want to know so i can better take care of my newly owned s14

[5t341tH]

clicks cuz ur battery is dead. ur brake lights could be on from low fluid

[yokotavia]

try hooking it up to another car or battery via jumper cables. remove them and let it idle for like 15 minutes then drive around a bit.

go back to your house, turn the car off, walk away for 30 minutes.

come back and try to start it, if it doesnt start, its PROBABLY your alternator.

if it does, i have no idea haha

[S14DB]

And can someone please explain why they believe it is the alternator? based on my description, why are my brake lights on? why not the oil or airbag? why does it go off passed a certain rpm? why does it click when i turn the key? and clicks multiple times? I want to know so i can better take care of my newly owned s14
We believe its the alternator cause the car is running fine on battery power for over 10mins till you drain it down.

The controller on the back of the alternator is what goes out. The output of the alt. is unregulated now. When your RPM goes up the alt. spins faster and generates more power. Another sign the alt is bad.

Do you have ABS? Brakes could be a totally unrelated problem.

The clicking is the starter engaging the flywheel. But there is not enough power to turn the car over. It starts clicking as your battery doesn't even have enough power to fire the solenoid.

[jsxr14s]

thanks every one, thank you yokotavia for your advice and s14db for your very helpful and elaborate response. I guess i just wanted an easy fix. But Alternator it is!
and to answer your ABS question: NO ABS, I believe i need new pads though. But does the brake light indicator turn on for worn down pads? Well Thanks guys

[S14DB]

I was thinking that your ABS didn't have enough juice to run and was giving you a warning that it was off.

Play with your handbrake lever and check the brake fluid level. There is a switch on the handbrake that sets it off and some models have a fluid level sensor in the brake reservoir.

[WIKID S4TEEN]

But does the brake light indicator turn on for worn down pads? Well Thanks guys

To answer your question...No.

[godsmack]

An easy way to check alternator is jump car and pull the negative battery cable off. If it dies alternator is shot.

[Pacman]

You can check your alternator by having it idle and putting a meter on it. If your not charging at least 13.5V at idle, your contacts are worn. Turn on loads (headlights, radio, heater, etc) and see if the battery voltage drops slowly.

[jsxr14s]

Where can i get voltmeter for a reasonable price?
and will a used Alternator from 1990 KAe work on my 96 KAde?

[Paul2x]

Also when you change your alternator, your most likely need a new battery as well.

Having a bad alternator can toast the battery.

Even if you get it re-charged.

I had to replace both battery and alternator.

Now runs perfect.

=)

[jsxr14s]

New battery, ok "check!"
so what about that used alternator? will it fit my s14 KAde?

[a_ghost]

all 240sx alternators should fit fine, new or used 89-98

[a_ghost]

thats what i was going to say


An easy way to check alternator is jump car and pull the negative battery cable off. If it dies alternator is shot.

[jsxr14s]

*update: got a used alternator from some guy off craigslist from an '89. it was a bad alternator too. so i thought maybe it was a connection problem, but then got both tested at autozone and both failed. so bought one and now i'm back on the road. Thanks guys for all your help