I would check that the connections are on taught. What you are
describing is the alternator is probably not properly charging the
battery.

Sometimes when a battery in a car goes bad, it also takes the
alternator with it. There are times when the alternator goes first and
damages the battery because it overcharges the battery and then goes
shorted from overheating. Some vehicles have an external voltage
control or management module. This should also be changed along with
the alternator.

A professional mechanic always runs a test on the alternator when
replacing the battery. If the alternator is defective, you may have to
replace the battery again if the battery was damaged.

Jerry G.









On Jun 11, 7:00*pm, "Cleo Frank" wrote:
Background: * 1990 Mazda Protege, very well maintained, very clean
under hood. * Last night it started as usual. * I drove it to the dumpster
at the edge of my property to dump some trash, stopped the car,
and cut engine. * When I tried to start it back up, I got the usual
click of a dead battery; *digital clock very dim etc.

Went to NAPA today and bought topnotch battery (the same
kind that came in car when new). * I did accidentally install
it backwards (neg lead to pos post and pos lead to neg post),
got some sparks, but the battery is now securely connected.
The lead clamps are pretty clean and don't appear damaged.
But no power whatever, clock dead, nothing.

Ideas?