this all started when my optima battery died in winter. when i replaced the battery with a new optima battery, the car still wouldnt start unless i jumped it (engine would not turn over). It was as if the battery was dead. when it was cold out, my car would die if i didnt give it gas but now its warm out and it doesnt die while running (after i jump it of course). once i turn off the car, it wont start agian unless i jump it. i have driven it around to charge up the battery (long drives) but it wont hold the charge. Once i shut off the car it will turn back on if i try it right away, but if i wait an hour it will not turn back on. i have had the battery and alternator looked at and both are fine. To me it sounds like a battery problem? But these batteries are good and it has been tested and it is BRAND NEW.

Sorry for the repost, not sure who checks what part of the board. there are so many sections. Let me know if i'm out o fline.

 

alternator.

 

^+1

 

The car is throwing the correct voltage across the battery when running though.

 

its prolly a bad battery, take it out of the car and take it to a different auto store than the one you bought it from and have them hook it up to the machine in the store and they can tell you if its any good. then you can take it back to the one you got it from and tell them so and so says this is bad, and get them to replace it. make sure your not getting a refurbed battery also... also there can be something in your car thats draining it, bad lightbulb, leaving your headlight on the on position even though they automatically turn off. check all your fuses. stereo going bad and sucking up juice. ect...