Battery/Alternator issue with '01 Sport 4x2

[bostano]

I've recently been having some trouble with my battery, and luckily discovered a coupon lying around for a free inspection at my local Ford dealer, to which I did and was told that the battery is pretty much dead and in need of replacement. Easier said than done for me, due to my limited college student budget. :

The thing is, it pretty much works when it WANTS to. It starts up without a hitch first thing in the morning as I leave for work/school, however it fails to start when turned off for short periods of time - say, if I turn off the engine to pump gas - it'll fail to start after I'm finished. When it fails to start, it makes a grinding/clicking noise, similar to how a bicycle wheel sounds when you tape a baseball card to it. Luckily, I've been lugging around some 15 dollar jumper cables, and embarassingly asking strangers if they can give me a jump, which'll usually do the trick just fine.

I've defintely noticed this happening more often on hot days, so the heat is most likely to blame. I've had some people tell me it's the battery, and others tell me it's the alternator, some tell me it's both. I'm a little reluctant to shell out that kind of money... so if anyone has any tips to combat this sonbitch, they're much appreciated.

Also... I live in the Tampa/St. Pete area (North Pinellas Co.) so if any readers who live close to there, or know someone who does, could point me to the direction of a parts and service shop I could have it repaired for a modest rate, that would be AWESOME. Thanks for taking the time to read my inquiry!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Clean the battery terminals, and cables, then apply a coat of antioxidant. Any auto parts store could check your battery for free. Autozone has an electrical system checker which could check your battery, and alternator while it's still in the vehicle.

 

[Pensa]

I had a battery do the same thing you described, it would start fine cold but once hot it would barely turn over. It could well be your battery, but try cleaning the terminals first and see if that helps. If that fails take it to AutoZone and let them check it. They will do that for free.

 

[budwich]

try checking the fluid levels in your cells.... maybe a "few" are low. As suggested cleaning of connections is in order. Your problem most likely lies with the battery area since an alternator problem would show up as a "battery going dead" and never recovering as opposed to "starts fine after it sits for while".

 

[bostano]

Thanks for the tips! I've decided to go ahead and pony up some dough for a new battery. In your guys' opinion... what would be the best brand for my vehicle? Those Duralast commercials are always appetizing for me to get one, and I've continually been told that Walmart is the best option for value... any thoughts?

 

[BrooklynBay]

I've have Optima batteries for many years, and they seem to be OK. I'm up to my 3rd in 15 years.

 

[mrphiltx]

I use Walmart, and never pay full price, because the last one wore out before the warranty ran out. So, I'm not sure if that is good or bad... Usually pay around $20 I think... been a while...

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I usually stay away from Walmart batteries and tires as a general rule. No specific reason on the batteries, but I have reasons for the tires I won't discuss here.

I recently bought a NAPA battery, they have nation wide warranty just like any other retailer and I have had really good luck with NAPA parts and most any store I go to.

Heat really gets to batteries, your symptoms seem like a bad one, but I'd get it tested before I did anything.