wires, connecters, terminals
the battery could have a dead cell, this could cause it to not charge. Have the battery tested to be sure.
Have the alternator checked.
An alternator can charge normally but can still drain a battery if the diode(s) are defective. Try this: remove the(red) positive cable from the back of the alternator and then touch it to the post that you removed it from. Remember, this is hot so don't touch it to anything else. If it sparks this indicates the alternator is pulling current, and is bad.
If it runs for a little while then dies it could be your alternator.. If it ticks or just does nothing its either your battery or starter.
If your 1997 Mercury Tracer has a battery light that blinks on and off while the car is running, it most likely means that the battery is not charging. This could be an issue with your alternator.
If the alternator is installed incorrectly, yes, it can drain the battery.
I have a 2.0 1995 Mercury mystique the battery charge light was on no output on old alternator. Replaced alternator No output from new alternator "charge light out" (wiggle test wires& re-check wires) at alternator *still no output* is there a fuse that could be the problem or just another bad alternator... I would check the alternator plug before getting another alternator, it may be bad. And is a lot cheaper to replace.
Probably loose drivebelt. or alternator belt of it is seperate.
could be the alternator. could be the battery, the alternator charges the battery but does not stop the battery holding a charge.could also be a bad starter motor. take alternator off and have it tested. most places will test for free
There is no problem...the problem was the alternator. You have fixed the problem.
usualy if the alternator is not defective then its the battery. you should start by cleaning the battery post. then you could check the terminal wire that runs from the battery post to the alternator. if thats not it you should check the ground on the alternator.
the batteries only serve to start the car and the alternator. I'm not sure if it would be your alternator but it's not the battery.