Battery or Alternator?

[my996]

Took my 1999 996 out of storage. I placed a battery charger on the battery over night. Still did not charge the battery to sufficiently charge the battery so I had to jump start it this morning. Car started so I drove around for a while (about 30min). Afterwards, parked car in garage and turned it off. Tried to start it right away and no go. How can I tell if this is a bad battery issue or an alternator issue? Thanks.

[geza]

Not sure how long the car was stored without a trickle charger - but it sounds like the plates in the battery have lost their ability to retain charge.

If you saw voltage on your voltmeter when the car was running on its own - then the alternator was working.

My vote is for new battery without other information.

[Loren]

If the battery is 4 years old or older then it needs to be replaced anyway.

[my996]

If the battery is 4 years old or older then it needs to be replaced anyway.

Thanks - I am not sure if it is 4 years old yet but might as well get a new one. Which one is recommended. Aren't there lower weight ones that would be a good alternative? What are your thoughts?

[Loren]

Have a look at the battery thread here.

I don't worry about weight - most of us could go faster if lost 10 or 20 pounds. ;)