I recently replaced the alternator on my 89 Ford Probe about a week ago. After a day my battery died, so I thought maybe a burned it out so I bought a new battery. Then the battery died again. The terminals were loose and I could not get them to stay tight, so I replaced them and charged the battery, but the battery died again. I have no idea whats going on with it. If anyone has had a similar problem and could figure it out it would be much appreciated.

 

How long did you wait before trying to start the car after charging the battery? Overnight, 1 day, two days?
Why did you need to replace the original alternator?

 

I replaced the alternator because the old one went bad. I think a barring went bad or something. After replacing the old battery I drove it for two days before the battery started dieing. At first I tried to tighten down the old terminals and charge the battery. Again it went bad only after a couple hours. So I replaced the old terminals, and again I charged the battery for several hours. I think I waited an hour after charging it for several hours to start it. I think I should also say that when jumped by another car it started right up if that helps at all. Why would how long I waited to try starting my car effect the battery not staying charged?

 

My car also has a security system in it. I do not think it is stock. I believe that it was installed by the previous owner. Every time the terminals are removed it comes on and will not let the car start until after a button is pushed. I do not know if this is anything to do wit the fact that the battery is not holding a charge for more than a few hours. I am more curious as to if this is a stock thing on the 89 probe or if it is actually an aftermarket part.

 

I had a aftermarket Viper alarm system in an 01 mustang that would draw the battery down. I finally went back to the stereo shop that installed and had them remove it. After that, problem solved. automatic used volkswagen gti portland oregon

 

The thing is I did not know about the alarm until after replacing the alternator. It did not even turn on until the first time I removed the battery terminals. All the alarm is is a light the flashes inside the car with a button under the dash to turn it off. The only thing it does is keep the car from starting. I believe it used to have a horn but one of the previous owners must have disconnctd it.

 

I have been told by several people that I probably just bought a bad alternator since I bought a rebuilt one. A few people have said that it has happend to tthem before.

 

The only time that the battery is drained is when the car is running. So I have to believe that the problem is related to something faulty with the alternator.

 

In reply to post #3
If if refused to start after setting a while, then that would mean a Key - Off drain.

 

It would be a wise investment to invest in a voltmeter, doesn't have to be an expensive one.
With the voltmeter connected to the battery with the engine running and lights, blower motor running on hi , if the alternator did not maintain at least 14 volts on the meter you would know the alt is not charging enough.