hakemjmba

well i was driving home last night then i notice my interior lights started to dim and all my lights started to dim. then my lost a lot of power, my radio shut off and wont play music anymore. my rpm needle just jumped up and down as i tried to accelerate, when i let my foor off the gas the needle goes down to zero. so i pull over into a parking lot and let my car reset figuring it is the battery that is dead. at this point i was almost home but had to go on the freeway for one exit. i noticed that my interior lights light up more when my headlights are off. so i decide to drive home without my headlights on (not recommended). i made it home, then i turned my car off and tried to start it again, it would try to start then it would just start making the clicking sound. the next day i checked my battery and it is full. what would this be?!?!? im guessing it is the alternator. if you guys have any other ideas let me know. also is it hard to replace a alternator? where can i get a alternator that is not that pricey? oh yeah i have a 94 del sol. please i need help, i have to get to school and work tomorrow! thanks

milo

yup, alternator.. get it checked first

dwnthehatch

iTrader: (1)

Make sure your alt. belt is not loose or missing.

hakemjmba

how do i check if it is loose or not?

btleier

feel the belt.... you can tell just by pulling on it.

Marauder

Starting and dying problems are normally one of three things.

1) Battery
2) Alternator
3) Starter

Some shops specialize in just these parts, and if your car can make it there, they can test what's wrong.

Normally, if a alternator goes out, that red battery light comes on the dash. A starter that the solenoid is going out can wear down your battery.

Your situation sounds like a alternator. If you are good with a wrench, you can pull it out and take it to a shop to test it, then get a new one if you need it.

The bad thing about either starters or alternators going out, is they can take your battery out at the same time and it will need to be replaced at the same time

Ricey McRicerton

Hell just get it up to Autozone and they will throw it on a tester and tell you if it's yoru battery or alternator!! Best of luck man!

hakemjmba

haha thanks everyone, i am going to take out the alternator and get it tested, i tested the battery already and its fine so im hoping its the alternator. how much does an alternator cost?