Bad battery or bad alternator symptoms, how to tell the difference (brief) not charging. - VOTD 

This channel is a hidden gem on the Internet. Robert explains things more intelligently and clearly than many of the other more popular RU-vid DIY guys.

Excellent breakdown. Best I have seen so far. I have a battery issue. Some mechanic was trying to hustle me, telling me I need an alternator which would have been so expensive. Thank you RU-vid for all these brilliant people who are saving us from hustlers.

I read in the comment section that this channel is a hidden gem on the internet. After watching this video I think that is true. Robert was able to give the thorough explanation in a short amount of time and never lost me once. As a guy who knows little to nothing about cars this was very helpful, I'll be referring to this channel for any other quick car tips, thanks.

Great video. No loud or weird music, simple instructions, and all of your discussion is relevant. Great job and thank you.

Robert...this was excellent...I liked how you explained things simply so us less mechanically inclined folks could understand it...Have a great Holiday season!

I ought to have known this channel years ago and saved lots of dough on batteries and alternators, etc. Thiis channel is indeed a gem. Many thanks dude!

2019 I'm watching this. Still helpful. You will live for ever!

Great video. I love how you got straight to the point with no filler and used a lot of common examples.

The last 15 seconds was gold, that's what I needed to know. Thanks!

Best advice I ever heard. Thank you so much. Explains everything in so much detail as if he with me the whole time. I'm having the exact same problem with my SUV.

I went thru so many you tube clips just to get an idea why my Lexus quits running after a run and parked. Now i comprehend as an average street cave man.....Robert is amazing .keep up the excellent job Bless you.....

Found this video today (4 years after it was posted) and it's very informative. I had to get a jumpstart this morning then went ahead and got a battery. Thank you sir for posting this video. I learned quite a bit.

Good info my friend! Thanks a million for your time and this video.

This vid is concise and perfect, very well done. Thank you for taking the time to upload this video, very useful and helped me out a lot!

I watched several videos and they paled in comparison on how well you explained things. You are a good teacher. Thanks. Especially the part about telling how that we should drive it for a while each week. Explains why my battery would go low so often, I took the bus to work during the week and only drove around short distance during the weekends.

The best explanation! I've watched many RU-vid videos and hands down your video was simple to the point. Replaced with a new battery, I was only able to drive a few blocks before the headlights dimmed. Cables terminals are tight and no visible corrosion on contact points on the cabling from battery to alternator. Thank you!

Thank you! This video was very informative. It helped me to determine I did in fact have a dead battery. Thanks again, Robert!

Nicely done. I finally understand the battery/alternator relationship, thank you 😊

Thank you so much for this video. Extremely informative! You explain things very thoroughly for people with little experience with vehicles. I can't thank you enough!

I've watched lots of his videos that have helped me troubleshoot and solve some problems with my old truck. Thanks for helping me save some $!! Glad u r out there.

Robert, I've learnt things from you from watching just one of your videos! You're a find. Subscribed.

You really explained this better than anyone had. I appreciate it!!!! Thanks again!!!👍🏼

Love you. You have given me more peace of mind in less than 10 minutes than I have had all weekend. Issue explained clearly and concisely thank you so much!

2021, and you just saved me a decent amount of money. my car failed on me just a while ago, and thanks to you I was able to pinpoint the problem. thanks Rob.

He is the Bob Ross of auto information! Thank you Robert Spinner!!

Better explained is impossible. Thank you for making it clear and easy 2 understand.

You explained it better than any other channel I've watched about this issue. I appreciate what you do.

2020 and his knowledge still holds true. Thanks Robert👍🏾

Thanks for the detailed information. Great video thank you.

To testmy alternator all i did was taking the battery off the car withit working. Revved it abit and checked if it would die... It didnt... I could use any electric stuff ... Like lights.. Windows... Stereo... Only tofind out my battery was 2 + years old and was dead... Would charge on slow charging method with a charger.. Crank the engine but... After two or three times it would die again... Watching ur video helped me understand why... The Amps... 12v but almost no Crank amps ya know? Thank u sir. May theLord bless u with all u need and want. U r amazing. In jesus name i pray.amen.

Thanks for clarifying whether it's the alternator or battery problem. Much needed information for this week's schedule. Have a great day😀

I’ve been stressing about my truck for almost a week now thinking I had a big problem. After watching this video I feel more confident that it’s the battery. He explains everything perfectly and made me feel a lot better. Thank you for this video

You just saved my life with this man I was tripping at first but when you explained it, it was literally that was going on with my truck.

Great video Robert....you are such a great teacher: well spoken and you clearly explain the difference between the two issues with some practical scenarios. That's how it should be done. Awesome job!!!!

Excellent video. It's time I learned how to detect any problems and fix my own car, and with videos like this, I should learn in no time. Thank you!

Thank you so much! I needed clarity on what was going on with both of my cars. I haven't been driving them much at all, and they're constantly giving me issues starting up.

*This battery reconditioning program exceeded my presumptions. It worked on any drill battery, several AA and AAA batteries, **batery.repair** and any camera battery. The steps are simple and the act itself is exciting to do. No matter what type of battery you`ve got, it is sure to function again!*

love how you explain things simple and easy subbing

Hi Robert, you really explain it well. Found your video informative and came here due to my battery not having enough juice to start up today on a very cold morning; used a power station to get it going. Use my car for daily commute for about 13 miles one way so it does get a good run, could be the battery that needs changing. Anyways, many thanks for the video. Much appreciated :)

Hi. I often follow Robert and his presentation and knowledge is excellent. I particularly appreciate his steady camera work clear and simple concise language . Also I just love Volvo's and so does he. Keep up the great work Robert. Well done. Rgds David from Australia.

Well done, thumbs up, thanks :)

You are correct in saying that 9 volts may not be adequate to engage and turn the starter. When dealing with a starter issue you must remember it also takes AMPS to turn a starter. More than any other electrical device on the vehicle. Therefore a battery may show 12 plus volts on the meter but lack the amperage to power the starter. Sometimes they will even start with a jump because you are adding AMPS and volts to the system. Great video with good information.

Thanks! My battery seems to keep a charge for only a week I wasn't sure if it was the alt or battery but your video explained it very well 👍🏾👌🏾

Thanks. You mentioned the scenario I had. I was driving along a major highway and then 3 idiot lights came on (TCS, ABS, and one other). I didn't think too much of it because Infiniti Gs have lights that come on if the brake fluid level drops as the brake pads start to wear. But, then my dash went black and fortunately, I had enough momentum to pull over to the shoulder. After an hour, I got a tow back to the house and was able to jump start the car. I have an appointment tomorrow with the local mechanic to inspect the alternator. The drive belt is still there, so I suspect it is the alternator. Car has about 90K miles. Going through the RU-vid videos, I'm glad I saw this to validate what I thought the problem was. Good details. I still bought a new battery since I don't trust a 5-1/2 year old battery that goes through a major discharge like I had, if it was due to the alternator.

Thank you for a clear cogent explanation. This was just what I was looking for.

Thank you for this! Everyone needs this information regardless of skill level.

Wow wow wow this is the first RU-vid show I've watched where it was straightforward and actually show me what to do simply I love it keep it up man

All of your videos are great. You're the real youtube help center. Keep it up!

This was a great video. very detailed and made a lot of sense, many videos that I've watched don't make sense and are messy. You did a great explanation and you solved the problem that I was having time for me to get a new battery for my car.

This was very helpful thanks so much for this. I enjoy you videos sir. Keep it up.

This guy explains very well. Whenever I have a car problem, and I see his face, I click on his videos. Very helpful and thorough.

God bless you robert! this is the only youtube video ive come across that actually explains and addresses my question in a way i could comprehend.

I couldn’t remember the “tells”. Thank you awesome video.

This was extremely helpful. Thank you!

Thank you very much! This video explained why I've required frequent jump starts. I don't drive the car enough and now, I need a new battery.

Thanks for the video finally the info I was looking for , appreciate it.

You’re so nice. I am at ease for the moment. Thank you. I’ve subscribed.

My battery died again in the last 4 months and I was scared that it was my alternator, but my commute to work is last then 10 minutes. When I was going to school, I had a 30 minute commute and no problem. Thanks for the explanation!

Every video of his I've seen, the comments are very respectful. That's nice to see. And thanks for all the help!

This guy is gold in my book. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I wish you were my mechanic 👨‍🔧

Holy shit. I cant believe how much I just learned. Thank you so much.

Wow, you taught me a lot all in about 10 minutes. Had to rewind a few times to fully understand though. When you pointed to the alternator you said, you can see it down there. Nope. All I saw was a bunch of wires lol. I'm so used to depending on someone else, but I'd like to learn for myself. Thank you Robert!

I would love to donate my dodge Durango for you to do videos. You are the 1st person who I actually understand!

Thanks for making these videos, Robert - great work sir!

thank you so much! you broke everything down so well

only half way through ur video. already got more answer than any of the 75-100 i viewed before this one. thanx bunches.

SUPER JOB ROBERT, YOU KNOW THE ISSUES & HOW TO COMMUNICATE TO THE NOVICES.

thanks robert for the tips. really help me out ALOT.

Thats what i call good understandble and professionnal explanation. Thanks so much brother ! 100% THATS YOUR NOTE.

Great video, I love the the explanations for both battery and alternator usage.

Thank you sir I was so close to buying a new alternator but I saw this replaced the battery and everything has been smooth sailing :)

One of the best RU-vid instructions!! Thanks for explaining the topic so easy to understand.

Thank you, my friend. Your video helped out immensely!

Thank you for taking the time to make this video, it was very informative and helpful. I was able to fix my car and get it running again!

Thank you, very informative. The part about driving the car for 30 mins to 1 hour rather than short trips to work of 5 mins I did not know this. Thank you again for the video.

Thank you, comprehensive explanation!

Thank you again. This was very helpful! Have a beautiful week.

Thank you sir, your tip about the contacts being clean and tight was right on. Thanks again.

You're a life saver! I bought a used 02 subaru 5 years ago and the battery was 2 years old and i only use it 2 times a day to go to work 8 minutes away and then to go get food once a week 10 minutes away. Yesterday i couldn't start it. I know now it is the battery! I had no idea you had to run it more than that to maintain a healthy batter but i give credit to my battery for lasting 7 years! Thank you for this!

So helpful, thank you!

Ok. Its my alternator. GREAT VIDEO Thanks 🙏🏽

The end was perfect i was waiting to hear something about transmission not shifting properly!! The whole video is perfect thank you sooo much👌🏽👌🏽

Thank you for the information Robert. I just found this channel and subscribed. You really explain things well. Great job!

I was really thinking that the alternator was goin. You convinced me it's that damn battery. Thanks a lot man! :)

thanks pal you are A good MAN

Excellent, I'm one of those that never drive my truck, it sits, and I have issues, now I know I have to drive at least 1 hour per week to keep the battery alive. Very well explained

This is such a useful vid, and very well explained - thank you! Respect from the UK

Great video, thanks!

Hey Robert, thank you for making this video. It was really helpful. God bless u.

Hi Robert I just found you. I'm impressed with the appreciated comments looking for to getting mechanically improved from near scratch

Thank you for really breaking it down for a lady who had no clue. Good job!!

Thanks for the insight!

Thank you so much!! I found this video super helpful! Quick question, I had to get my car jumped but when I was driving around, the airbag light was blinking and kept saying, service airbag. Would a dead battery be causing that?

That explanation was amazing! I can almost say for certain that it is my battery. It worked just fine yesterday and didn't start today.

Robert u have giod knowledge on cars, helped me figure out why my car is nit starting.Thanks for ur post.

Thanks for taking the time to help your fellow man. People should check that the repair shop has ASE certified mechanics trained on charging systems. Otherwise they'll just start changing parts until they stumble across what's actually the issue. Thanks again Robert

Phew. I was worried it was an alternater issue. Happy to know it is a bad battery. I don't drive it enough.

Thanks alot! Very informal, I was having issues with my car starting and I wasn't sure if it was the alternator or my battery. A mechanic was making me buy an alternator and a starter and a new battery when all it really was, was a faulty battery.

This guy always gives good information and anyone can understand what he’s talking about.

Im thinking i might have battery issues AND alternator issues 😂 thanks for the helpful info