Kodenz

Something killed the battery, maybe I left my lights on because my headlights aren't always turning off when I put the switch in the off position.
So I jumped it and went and got some gas, then came home.
Tried to start it today and it was completely dead again.
I attempted to jump and and it started once then died, now I'm afraid I tried starting it too many times and ruined something. It started making that rapid clicking noise after a few more attemps.
One last thing I wanted to mention some of the odd electrical problems it has, it acts like there is a ghost in the truck when you try to turn the headlights on auto, all the lights on the dash flash like crazy. It's fine if you put it on manual mode. I think I'm gonna try to solder the contacts on it.

Ok sorry about the long winded question! Any ideas?

kennzz05

yes buy a battery and make sure youre belt is adjusted properly so the alternator can do its job

if the battery is any more than a couple years old its probably had it from being drained down like that but you could try chargeing it properly with a charger, running the truck isnt the proper way to charge a battery, all youre electrical gremlins could also be battery related

Kodenz

Hmmm alright thanks ill try charging it first, the battery is only about 2 months old :/

dave1123

On the headlight problem, try turning off your headlights before turning off the engine. I never trusted my ZJs auto setting and never had your problem. My WJ will turn on the headlights on low if I turn them off after killing the engine. They're supposed to turn off after 2 minutes, but I'm old school and don't trust these "bells and whistles" on today's cars. Having a dead battery when you've got to get to work can spoil your whole day, not to mention your job!

Just because the battery is new doesn't mean it's not defective. Charge it properly and then do a load test. Get it done where you bought it. If it's defective, it should be replaced under warrenty.

I've been told the new gel batteries are far superior to the old lead-acid type. I don't know, having no experience with them.

One more point. If there is a bad diode in the alternator, it could be draining the battery overnight. I good multi-meter will show this as a presence of AC current in the output. It will still put out DC, but not very many amps. Trace AC in the circuits will reek havoc with engine sensors and other electronics.

clockwise

the rapid clicking is just your starter telling you that your battery is dead.

Kodenz

Thanks you guys have been a real help, I charged the bat at work, and ill test my alternator this weekend. Ill be back of course if I have not solved my problem