I had to buy a new battery about 2 weeks ago. My old battery was 6 yrs old and gave up the ghost. Well, ever since I got this new battery, I've had a problem twice now with starting the car. I get in the car, turn the key on, all dash lights, fuel pump, etc runs, and then I try to crank it. Twice now when I do this, the starter bumps a little, and everything dies (dash lights, radio, etc). last time I tried about 4 times and it did this. Then all of a sudden it turned over and started up.
Well the second time was this morning, but no luck on getting her started. It seems like there is something really drawing a lot of current off the battery when I try to turn the engine over. So I'll turn the key to off, then try again right away. At this time it seems like the dash lights and stuff barely light up. If I do not turn the key back to off, the dash light either will not come on at all, or just barely.

So, what do i need to check? how can I trouble shoot this? I bought the battery from Sam's, can a battery be tested off the car?

Also, where can I get new bolts that you screw into the battery? One of them had the head stripped off and I had to use vise grips on it.

 

when my car was doing that the ground cable was shot..

Check the ground.. or check the resistance of the ground cable..

also make sure the bolt in the battery is real tight.

id check those 2 first, real easy to do