It seems like my wipers are working in slow motion. Then it seemed like the dashboard lights weren't quite as bright.
I had the a/c on and while sitting at the traffic light, brake pedal pressed, a/c on, radio on, lights on, the tachometer just dropped to zero. Then when I put the turn signal on, the radio began to fade out in rhythm with the turn signal.

Obviously there's a loss of voltage - I'm thinking these are symptoms of a bad alternator. What do you think?

 

Before I go buy an alternator and possibly waste my money, anyone have any input?

 

Chip,

First check the ground battery cable and make sure it has a clean connection to the chassis.

 

You can get it checked at an alternator rebuild shop. A lot of times for free.

 

I did just that (not sure why I didn't think of that to begin with) - failed 3 times so I bought a new one.
Had low battery so I had to jump it but it runs once again.

 

I have had two alternators fail in my 1991 Accord. The tachometer dropped to zero both times...so it seems like a valid indicator of a bad alternator to me.

 

All you do is use a voltmeter to test the alternator yourself.