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A car battery can go dead for several reasons. Other elements in the electrical system, including the alternator, may be the cause of the battery charge being lost.
Battery
An old or defective car battery can lose its charge while in use. The process of running the engine normally recharges the battery if it is in good condition.
Defective Battery Cables
The two cables that hook up to the battery (live and ground) must be in good condition. This means that no bare wires on the cables or ineffective (corroded) terminals on the either end of each cable can be present.
Defective Alternator
The alternator helps to maintain an efficient charge in the electrical system, including the car battery. A defective alternator will drain the car battery and cause it to lose its charge.
System Short
A short within the electrical system can cause a car battery to lose its charge. This short can occur in any circuitry, including fuse connections, car radios or other standard or after-market components such as GPS or digital music players.
User Error
Leaving the headlights, radio, interior lights or other electronic devices on when the car is not in use will drain the car battery as well. Some after-market components also maintain an always-active circuit even when the ignition is turned off.
Source:
Wordpress Auto Mechanics: What Can Cause a Dead Auto Battery
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