Difference Between Starter And Alternator Problems. If so then that is an indicator that the problem is not your starter. Even if you had a bad alternator and the alternator should absolutely be tested certainly when you install a new battery because you want to be sure the charging function is working properly that would not prevent the car from starting.

Using the process of elimination find the culprit by bypassing. A dead battery is your initial sign that something could be wrong with the alternator. How to know when you might have a problem.
Here are a few ways to diagnose your problem.
In this case the alternator is doing its job of keeping the battery going once it has been jumped but the battery cant hold a charge when the alternator is shut off. Alternator and Starter Diagnosis. A bad starter may still. A dead battery is your initial sign that something could be wrong with the alternator.

