Battery question about a cadillac?

[Joe B]

1997 deville. battery keeps going dead. all lights seem to go off. but the battery keeps going dead and i just jump it off. what could be the problem. sounded like something fell out from underneath it when i went over a dip a couple weeks back, dont know if that has anything to do with it or not. i am very stressed what is wrong.
if the belt is off. how long will the battery stay charged? i am to old to deal with this.
where is the alternator located. i am trouble seeing

 

[Brian W]

if the belt is off you car wont run anywhere close to properly. it would only stay charged for a matter of minutes. but if the belt is on and it still aint keeping a charge, check your battery and alternator. you mentioned having sight problems, so id recommend taking it to a shop. tell them you want them to check the battery and alternator and say you want to see the results so they dont rip you off. also take pictures of your car before you drop it off. that way if there is any damage done to the car in the shop, you have proof it was their fault

 

[HARRY H]

Open that thing at the front of the car ,We call it a bonnet i think you call it a hood.See if you can see if it has still got a drive belt on the alternator

 

[b123153h]

If you charge the battery to a full charge and the battery is in good condition or Was it could run for 4 hours without lights or AC, the fan belt most likely broke and since you don't seem to know much about cars ask a Friend to check it for you. if it's a side mount engine you may have a hard time seeing the alternator but follow the red wire from the battery and it will connect to the alternator if you see a pulley a round object try turning it by hand, with engine off of course, if it turns then you broke a belt and is a easy fix $20.00 for the belt tops, but look at the rest of the belts if one broke I would change them all. if it does not have electric fan to cool and the belt breaks for it you will ruin the engine.