help with alternator

[felix360]

I have a dodge stratus 2001 2.4 DOHC, well it seems my battery lost its power some how. dont know if maybe the wife left the lights on or anything like that. well i get the jumper cables and give the car a jump. it starts up, i left it for about 20 minutes to let the battery charge. then i decide im going to check the alternator just to make sure its not that. I go and remove the Positive cable off the battery and its doesnt turn off or anything. so im thinking the alternator is fine. i leave it on for another 10 minutes. then i turn the car off and try to turn it on and it wont turn on.!!! so i give it another jump. i again check alternator with the same result. i give it another 30 minutes to charge. then im putting stuff away and all of sudden the car turns off. im confused cuz that tells me that the alternator is not charging but i had already checked it, so im lost. if anyone can help please do. 

[Plumcrazy]

Never ever try to check an alternator by disconnecting a battery terminal with the engine running.  Especially on a late model car with all the electronics they have.

The next thing I would do if I was you is to test the battery.  If it's the original battery there's a very good chance that's the problem.

[felix360]

yea its the original battery,  i didnt know that about not disconnecting the alternator. i guess ill get the battery changed thanks

[Chryco Psycho]

5 years is about all you wil get out of a battery these days
they cost more but an Optima battery [gel cell ] can last 10 years or more