Okay I change my alternator on my 2001 Cougar it keeps doing the same thing acting like my alternator is bad when it tastes good and my battery is brand new what's my problem

well the battery was dead. , the starter is dead and fails to crank then engine. (turns over has no meaning,some say cranks other claims runs means turns over )
but I get it the starter motor is dead
then jumped cabled after 10min the dead battery is now just tad charged up but you removed the JUMP and the engine stalled I guess..
lights use only 10 amps of current , but the starter need 30 times more current and fails. 300amp to 500 amp hr battery is bad or lugs rusty or loose.
or the alternator is bad .
the cluster lamp , has charge/ battery lamp if this glows after the successful jump. the alternator is bad. (or belt to it failing/slipping)
keep in mind an alternator switches off line if any battery gross fault is detected (shorted battery cells or open)
batteries with shorted cell explode (acid rupture max)
batteries open cell (10v battery )the voltage can go so high over 19v
that electronics blows up, $1000 or more, damage
so the regulator takes the alternator off line , until corrected.
saving everyone and every thing from those horrors above.
what I do is fully test the battery first, charged and load tested.
or take to a autostore or shop and test it.

the battery they love to fail 5 to 7 years old.
that is there THING , short lived. same with belts, tires, hoses ,pads
tests are easy
get the battery load tested
or charge the battery fully using a real battery charger 15amps, best.
and test the alternator, after good battery works and starter works and engine runs
battery voltage running is 13v to 15vdc, if not the ALT is bad or its 3 fuses blown.(up to)
key off battery voltage fully rested battery say 1hour, is 12.6vdc,not 10.


also a weak battery can wake up, as they rest and the acid mix inside
the cells gets uniform it can gain capacity. this is common.
just key off ,lamps off, and battery can self improve.
if start is dead , learn to crank not just in park but try NEUTRAL.
bam it crank,s.

Was the alternator bad or going bad. Changing that won't change it starting. Just charging to keep running. As I tell others you need 3 things to make it start and run. Good battery for the starter. Fuel and spark. Test for gas and spark are needed to know which is not working. Did you run it out of gas would be my first guess

make sure the cables are both good if they have a spot that feels flimsy the wires inside are likely corroded and the current is not running through it properly. a simple charging system check would be recommended.

take a test light and check your fuses , make sure both sides of the fuse is hot ! check power at alternator if no power gos in no power will come out.

I put a hot wire from the battery to the voltage sensing wire on the alternator...all the flickering and problems went away.

Well that is a good and easy test. The alternator you just replaced is probably bad. Once the vehicle starts its the alternator's job to keep the vehicle running. You need to take that alternator back to the auto parts store and exchange it for a good working one.

I hope this helps you out, if it does please give me a YES that I did help you correct your problem. Thank you.

Hi:
I would definitely have your alternator checked out. The battery light means that the car is running off the battery, and not the alternator,. If you can or know someone who can remove it, most auto parts stores will check it out for free, and tell you if it is bad or good.

If the alternater output drops when the rpm's increase
you may have a slipping belt. Stop at a parts store
autozone/napa/ or advance. They will put meter on it
for free. Hope this helps.

Likely a bad starter.

This will sound stupid but check to make sure all the bulbs, yes I said bulbs, as in brake and turn signals are the correct bulb. No kidding. I fought a problem like this in my shop for a week on a mustang. It had a wrong brake light bulb. Just a idea. See if it will start by jumping the 2 posts on the starter solenoid under the hood on the inner fender. It has two battery cables going to it. use 2 heavy screw drivers to do this. Do not tough the metal of teh screw drivers. The solenoid could also be bad.