Stupid Battery Question

[Purefire]

Freely admitted its stupid question from a newb
I've got a stock 2005 and a few weeks ago I was stupid and left my lights on and radio on for an hour, afterward the card wouldnt start. Got a jump and wet fine.

about 2 weeks later, listening to the radio for an hour (a common practice on my lunch break) and the battery dies again.

minor trial and error but today, listening to the radio for a little over half an hour I thought I'd try it and yup... battery dead.


I generally drive about 60 miles a day, 7 days a week

I had the battery tested and it came back good, my guess is either the test is wrong, or the alternator is having a problem. Is there anyone who actually knows something about cars willing to offer any advice?

I know i can get the alternator tested... i was running out of time before i had to be back in the office so thats on my todo list

[04electricblue]

You can pull the alternator out and bring it to a shop and they can test it.

Do you have an aftermarket stereo? Are you running the car when listening to the rad

If you're not then that is likely the problem, run the car when listening to the radio or get yourself an ipod.

[Purefire]

no after market stereo

the reason i think something is wrong is that I've been able to listen to the radio for the last 2 years for the same time frame in the same conditions without running the engine while it plays. If its a natural wear and tear that prevents that from being able to happen thats ok, but i'd like to try to make sure it isnt the sign of something bigger going on

[nineball]

just to be safe stop at a few other auto parts stores and have the battery checked. when my dad was having problems one shop said his battery was fine but the alternator was bad and they were willing to sell me a new one for close to $200. took it to another shop and it turned out the alt was fine the battery was bad.