Cadillac Repair: 2003 Cadillac CTS wont hold charge, 2003 cadillac cts, jumper cables

Question
I went to start my car up the other day and it would not start, my battery is about 6 months old, so I put the battery pack charger on it it ran, after running car for a while shut off car and when I went to start my car again it would not start, so I repeated the same steps as before. Every time I shut my car off it will not start unless I use the battery pack or jumper cables.  Help me

Answer
Hello,

Since I am not at the car I can only speculate, there can only be one of three problems. Bad battery (don't care if just replaced) Bad starter drawing too many amps or a charging system problem.

Most alternators when charging put out a scream under the hood. If you have the engine running with the hood open, turn on the headlights. If the lights don't get brighter, and you notice nothing different in engine sound, the battery most likely is not being charged.

Another way to check is put a meter across both posts. If when running, the battery is not at least 13.2 volts, it is not being charged.

I suspect this may be your problem.

I have a relatively new battery on my boat that shorted out internally. So much so, I thought my charger was bad. It acted like I connected the positive to the negative. Internal short in this 4 month old battery.

If your engine will start and the engine will just stall before hooking your jumper to it, I think you will find the battery is not charging.

If you ask what types of problems are associated with the charging system, there are many and check to see if the alternator belt is attached. Check the gauge fuse. Check the alternator for power going in on the red wire. If you have power, it is an internal problem with the alternator.

You may have to have the vehicle towed to a service center. DON'T try driving the vehicle in this condition!!!! The engione will stall when battery goes below 10 volts.

Rob