I replaced the alternator 8-13-09 car ran fine. would not turn over or start on 10-28-09 so got new battery. ran fine for 3-4 days. Did not drive car for about 2-3 days. tried to start car and would not turn over/start. was dead just like before I replaced the battery

diodes in alternator are leaking (back feed), more when hot. needs alternator or fan belt loose..

Does the alternator light come on before you start the vehicle..
If not the alternater is incorrectly connected or the globe is blown . It will not charge if the globe is faulty.

If alternator and battery is good, check the ground cables from the battery to the motor and frame grounds.

Replace battery .Start car warm to normal, check alternator by removing battery negitave cable, if the engine quits running replace alternator if it keeps running the alternator is fine. As far as the serpentine belt goes it will not prevent the car from starting.However if the belt looks like it needs to be replaced then it might be a good idea to do so.Good Luck.

Check and make sure your termimals to the battery are clean and tight. You can find out if the alternator is charging by simply starting the car and while it is running take the negitive cable off the battery. If the car quits its not charging (have the alternator check) if the car keeps running it is working properly. If it is charging and all your termimals are tight and clean you may have shorted out the battery and ruined it by hooking it up backwards. Good luck

Try disconnecting the alternator for a few minutes.
It can run on just the battery that long.
It is possible the new alternator is producing too many spikes that disrupt the car's electronics.

Quite possible the alternator is shot. If so, it will not charge the battery as you drive. Therefore the car is operating on battery power only.

Have alternator and battery tested. Hope this is helpful.

I would first have the alternator checked by an auto electrician to ensure it is working correctly and is providing the correct volume of current. It may be faulty and when driving you will be drawing battery power instead of power from the alternator to run the electrics. This will drain the battery.

Alternators do not last forever and if you are still running the original unit it is likely to be on it's last legs and you will need a replacement unit.

It sounds like the alternator belt or the alternator is going bad. The squealing sound was probably the alternator belt. the alternator belt might need to get tightened or replaced or you may need a new alternator. The alternator keeps the battery charged. When the alternator goes bad the battery can not be recharged. You also should keep the power steering fluid up to par or the power steering will go bad on you.

after another check,determined it was bad alternator