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The problem could be either, or both. See the excellent answer below for troubleshooting details. Unfortunately, without more information that particular question is difficult to answer. Batteries are nothing more than storage devices. They store electrical energy as long as the cells work properly. If the alternator is not functioning properly and sending enough current to the battery it will not be able to store power for the next time you need to start the engine. If you have access to a charger, try to charge the battery for a while. If it's a small charger put it on for 12-24 hours. If it's a larger charger it shouldn't take that long. If you can jump start the car and get it running you could also check out the charging system by getting the car running then removing the jumper cables. Use a volt meter to see the voltage between the two battery posts. If you have over 13 and under 14.5 volts your alternator is probably working fine and you just need a battery. If it's over 12 but under 13 volts, the alternator has a problem with diodes and probably STILL needs to be replaced. If the voltage is under 12, the alternator is useless to you except as an exchange for a rebuilt alternator from a reputable auto parts store. Good luck.

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Q: Are dim headlights and clicking noises when the ignition is turned signs of bad alternator or battery?
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What does your car battery power?

Headlights, radio, ignition, and other elec accessories. Also turns starter to start vehicle but they replenish battery when running via alternator


How come your battery dies when you use your headlights?

because the battery is the source of the power for the headlights. there could be an issue with the battery or the alternator can be failing.


How do you tell if the battery is dead in the Chrysler sebring jxi or if it's the alternator?

if the battery is dead, there will be no ignition lights etc when u turn the key your headlights would be very dim if on at all. the alternator only works when engine is running, so if alternator is dead it will not charge the battery most auto stores will check both battery and alternator for free if you remove from car and take them to the store


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That is not a question.


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Your battery is weak, or your your alternator is not charging battery.


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Headlights run off the battery not the ignition...


Does a vehicle have an alternator and a starter?

Yes. The alternator is used to keep the battery charged, while using the headlights, radio, a/c, etc. The starter to me is misstated because it actually cranks the engine. The ignition system starts it, and keeps it running.


Why jaguar xjs will not start after a series of clicking noises but battery and headlights work?

Replace battery cable.


What is it when the tail lights stay on and interior lights stay on and make clicking sound on 94 stealth?

The engine is clicking with all of the interior lights on? Dead battery... and for future reference... if there is no clicking= really dead battery and it might not recharge. In that case check the alternator, if the alternator is still good, just buy a new battery. If the battery continues to fail to recharge get a new alternator.


Why does battery dash light stay on after ignition and go off only after the headlights are turned on?

Hey John==Make sure the alternator belt is tight. GoodluckJoe A Bad Diode in the Alternator will cause the light 2 stay on & still charge the bttery.


Why would the headlights drain the battery on a 1996 Lexus with a new alternator?

The new alternator is bad happens all the time.


Is ignition the primary source of the vehicle's power?

no your alternator and your cars battery is