Battery dead?

So I went to start my zed today, turned it over and.... nothing. Not even the stereo came on. I jump started the car and it ran fine after that.

I just thought the battery went flat because I hadn't driven the zed for a week.
Gave it a good drive to recharge the battery, parked it back outside my house.
An hour later I went to drive it again, won't start. Battery is still cactus.

Is this a battery problem or could it be something else like the alternator?
The battery looks fairly new but I can't find an install date on it. The brand is "Calcium King" and it puts out 650 cranking amps if that matters.

 

it sounds like the battery, was the batt light on when you where driving it?

 

battery is most likely ****ed, but test your alternator to make sure that isnt the problem...

 

Didn't notice, so probably not. Next time I find someone to jump start my car for me I'll check.

 

How do I test my alternator? I'm not very mechanically minded unfortunately.

 

you alt should be fine..

just change the batt... more expenses you cant afford.. that for driving a mr2. lol

might be handy to pick up a $40 batt from hond wreak in clayton south (on westall road) its all reconditioned batts but i dont think they will last.. cheap option for the quick fix

 

Well the zed isn't my daily so I don't need to worry about a temp fix.
Lots of spare cash for a new battery but would rather not spend it if I don't have to.
Is $400 a good price for an Optima?

 

You can use Consult if you have it to check the battery voltage output. Or even a multimeter. See page 11 of this document for more information (p.s. there is a link to this document contained in the tech section)

 

You don't need an Optima. I use ACDelco batteries. Around $90, and the previous one lasted 5 years, and this one has been going over 2 now. I would be making sure that my alternator is in perfect working order before chucking a $400 battery in there.

 

I have big plans for the car's sound system so a good battery is kinda mandatory if I want to leave music playing at loud volumes with the car off (at car shows, parties, down the beach with mates etc.).
I figure I may as well get something good for starters rather than upgrading later.

Thanks for that PDF. I'm reading it now and it's very helpful

 

I think u can check your alternator by using multimetre connected to battery terminals when the car is running. If it drops from 12 volts to something lower, means your alternator is not charging it. Should go from around 12 volts to something higher.