After my dash lit up with up with the battery and parking break light, I replaced the alternator on my 1984 4runner (22r). After getting the alternator out, I had to travel for a bit and then it took forever for new alternator to get here (I know, I should have ordered it before traveling), so the car hasnt been started in about 3-4 weeks. When I tried to start it (jump starting from my friends truck), it cranked a couple times before the clicking of a dead battery started. I let the battery charge from my friends truck for another 5 minutes, and same thing, my car cranked a couple times before the dead battery clicking noise and it would not crank anymore.

I checked all the wiring for the new alternator (bought it brand new), and everything looks good. Ive never had a problem starting the car (except for when my old battery went out) before I changed my alternator. Im not sure what else could have gotten messed up while changing the alternator as all I did was remove the lower radiator hose and the alternator itself.

I bought a multimeter to help diagnose the issue, but have honestly never used one. If anyone has any ideas what the problem could be, or which parts I should start testing with the multimeter, any help would be greatly appreciated! I hate having one of the best cars around and not being able to drive it!

Can you charge the battery properly or have it load tested?

Changing the alt should not effect the starting.

I am going to get battery tested later today. While it would be nice to have the issue sorted, im also kind of hoping thats not the issue as batteries arent the cheapest...