Is the red 'charge' indicator light on the dash binnacle lighting? If not, the alternator is charging.
So it sounds as if you must have a drain somewhere. The Sylvania super brite bulbs aren't your problem - I run those and they are just conventional bulbs. As long as the circuit shuts off, they cause no drain. IF the circuit doesn't shut off, they stay lit, so you would see it.
If it is draining while parked, that also doesn't suggest an alternator problem.
With the car off, you can pull the fuses. See which one sparks as you take it in and out. That indicates a 'hot' circuit (drain on the battery). That may help you figure out what's happening.
You may discover that a wire has worn through and is draining the battery. Depends on the age of the car and maintenance (which you didn't mention). Sometimes these things are obvious. Sometimes they would flummox Houdini.
Tom
In a message dated 5/31/2011 11:29:31 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, jcrcpa@tx.rr.com writes:
I replaced the left front headlight last Thursday, on Saturday the battery was dead. Charged and was fine Sunday and Monday. car died in the drive thru this am. Jumped it and will probably have to jump it to get home tonight. I put in a sylvania super bright twice the price bulb. $19 vs $9 for the cheap one.
Anyone think of a reason the new bulb would drain the battery? or just coincidence.
The alternator is a little over a year old.
The battery is 10 months old.
If the battery checks out ok at wally's, I guess I will take it in and have the mech check the alternator.
Chuck
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