Start at the battery. Make sure everything is clean and tight. Check at the starter too. It sounds like you have a bad ground. If the alternator was bad, the lights would most likely not flicker. One other thought. There is a fuseable link between the alt and the battery. Check to make sure it isn't damaged.

Answered by Jacobandnickolas (expert)
57,472 answers provided

The most common ground failure would be between the battery negative terminal and the transmission.

With engine running, check the charging rate. Ensure the voltage between the alternator the main post and ground are similar to between the battery terminals. A bad connection between the alternator and battery or fuse would not allow the the battery to be charged.

Rebuilt alternators are known to be bad as well so do not rule that out.

Answered by KHLow2008 (expert)
40,332 answers provided

Thanks for the ideas, we'll try those tonight and let you know.

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