Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: Olds Ignition Module/Battery Probs., olds cutlass supreme, olds cutlass

Question
The battery is brand new (minus 4 months).  The original froze over xmas break and was pretty much useless.  How exactly does the charging system work - sorry if this is a vague question.


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Followup To
Question -
I hit a deer on the interstate a while back - it didn't seem to do very much damage but my '89 olds Cutlass Supreme (SL) wouldn't start very well at all.  A mechanic plugged it into a computer and said the Ignition Module was giving the computer a signal.  They said 5 days or 5 years - couldn't tell how bad it was, just that they were getting a signal.  A few days later the car wouldn't start at all.  I let it sit for a while and had an idea - tightened the connection to the battery (except it was dead).  I had someone jump the engine (which did not work before) and this time (and every time after) it has started without hesitation (I had a couple other things fixed at the shop i took it too that made it start a lot better).  ANYWAY - the car will idle fine for a long long time but the battery will not charge AT ALL.  As soon as I press the break pedal the car shuts off when it isn't connected to another car's battery (without shifting it into gear yet).  Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!  I am a poor college student looking to get around town.  
Answer -
You either have a bad battery or charging system that will require expert testing.


autohelp

Answer
The charging system via the ALTERNATOR is the unit that produces electrical energy to recharge the battery.

If you take the battery and the alternator OFF the vehicle and hand carry it into any larger auto parts store they will test them both for free.


autohelp