Replacing car battery or alternator

DarraghR · 22-03-2016 04:35PM #1

I drive a 2004 Nissan Primera and in the past 4 days my car has needed a push in second gear or jump leads to get it started. I guess its either the battery or alternator. I bought the car about 3 and a half years ago so the battery has not been changed since then and before.

How can I tell which one is at fault?

Is it easy enough to change the battery myself. Do I have to take any precautions since it is electricity?

223vmax · 22-03-2016 04:38PM

Get yourself a volt meter and post up the reading while the engine is running.

iamtony · 22-03-2016 04:41PM

DarraghR wrote: »

I drive a 2004 Nissan Primera and in the past 4 days my car has needed a push in second gear or jump leads to get it started. I guess its either the battery or alternator. I bought the car about 3 and a half years ago so the battery has not been changed since then and before.

How can I tell which one is at fault?

Is it easy enough to change the battery myself. Do I have to take any precautions since it is electricity?

probably the battery the Alternator would throw up a warning on the dash I'd say. Nor would it keep driving for very long after its been started.
The battery can't shock you its only 12v just be careful that you don't put the cables on the wrong way when connecting the new one.
Yes its easy to change normally once you have a few spanners.

biko · 22-03-2016 04:43PM

You can check with a voltmeter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4NvKBiUc70

but I'd wager it's the battery.

Battery is very easy to change. If Julia can do it so can you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ly0HXNz2EE

chickey · 22-03-2016 04:46PM

DarraghR wrote: »

I drive a 2004 Nissan Primera and in the past 4 days my car has needed a push in second gear or jump leads to get it started. I guess its either the battery or alternator. I bought the car about 3 and a half years ago so the battery has not been changed since then and before.

How can I tell which one is at fault?

Is it easy enough to change the battery myself. Do I have to take any precautions since it is electricity?

Any place that sells batteries wud test battery for you and tell you if its the problem, likely it is id say

TeaBagMania · 22-03-2016 04:53PM

biko wrote: »

Battery is very easy to change. If Julia can do it so can you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ly0HXNz2EE

I have more jobs around the house for Julia

biko · 22-03-2016 05:46PM

I usually just drive to a factors, remove the battery and bring it inside.
They will give you the same size, and also take the old battery away for free.
70-100 euro is usually the range price but can depend on brand etc.

DarraghR · 22-03-2016 08:14PM

Thanks for all the help guys. Went to a motor factors and got it tested. Was on its last legs. Picked up a new one for €60 and the guy fitted it for me. Shout out to Tallaght Motorola Factors best price out of 7 other places and very helpful

Replacing car battery or alternator

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