Have a 2001 Cherokee sport. The other day I was sitting with the power on and ignition off listening to music, as I tend to do alot, and I noticed the radio lights flickered on and off, and it wouldn't start when I tried to start it. I got a jump and took it to advanced auto and they said it may need a new alternator. He asked if I have a charger plugged into the cigarette lighter and I do, and he said that may be draining the battery because it's not meant for charging phones. So since then I haven't even used the charger. I do also have one of those cassette adapters that I use to listen to music on my phone through the radio. Since then the flickering thing happened a few times and I immediately started it and go it to start. I've had it since August and this is the first time I'm having this issue. Meaning, I tend to sit and listen to music through the speakers with the adapter, is this bad and causing the issue, and is it a new alternator that I need?

 

that would lend me more to a weak battery, but a alternator weak and nor completely charging the battery can do the same thing. Do you own a voltmeter, even if its a cheap one?

 

I'd go ahead and replace the battery. If you've got the money I'd do both. A fresh alternator wouldn't hurt.

 

OP, have you poked around Nd checked the condition of the terminals. Wires. Cleaned anything or just taking AA advice. Their terminals show if you need a new alternator, not MAY need it. See where I'm getting at. What tests have YOU done

 

If youre gonna buy a battery from advance auto, do yourself a favor and buy it online for store pickup. this allows you to use an online coupon trt30 to save $30 bucks on a hundred dollar battery or 30% off whatever battery you buy. Its a good deal. Who doesnt need to save 30 bucks.

 

What evidence are you basing this on?


Does the '01 have a "cigarette lighter"? In any event it has sufficient current to charge a phone -- just compare your cell battery to the one under the hood.


There is nothing wrong with listening to your head unit with music supplied through a cassette adapter. The key is how much current you are drawing with the head unit plus any additional components such as amplifiers.


If this is this the only electrical problem you have had (or whether you have had any), sycoglitch has good advice re: cleaning electrical connections.

 

Lol I just did the same thing cause I needed a battery on the whim for my sedan. Combine several coupon codes to save up to $45 sometimes. Just a thought IF OP DOES need a new battery

 

Awesome thank you

 

No I don't, when he tested it at advanced auto he said the battery needed to be charged but was ok, and the alternator test was lower than it should be.

 

Thanks for all the replies.. I'm gonna try and clean the connections and see what I can come up with