As I was driving tonight, my car started to loose power, and my lights started to dim. Eventually my car stopped working. I went to try and start it back up and nothing. I let it sit for about 20 minutes and it started back up, but after driving, the same thing would happen and my car would eventually die again. I recentely put a new alternator belt on. It seems really tight. Could this have any affect, or is my alternator completely dead? Is my belt too tight, or does this have nothing to do with it? Thanks in advance.
-kev

 

did your alternator light come on?

 

You mean battery light? . That should come on though if its going dead. Your situation sounds weird though. If your alternator is dying (happened to me 2x on the road) the battery light will come on basically because your alternator died and you are running off of the battery. The you drive until your car doesn't have enough power for fuel pump, computer, you know, important stuff. Then the battery is dead as hell. I don't understand why your car would start again though. If the battery is so dead it can't continue running I don't see how it could have enough power to crank the motor (it takes alot to start a motor). So, it sound weird man. Sorry, I can't really help.

 

My battery light did come on. It sounds to me like it is my alternator. I have a digital camera, and when it dies, if I let it sit long enough, it will work for a little bit longer. So, this makes me think that it is not the battery. I really don't know. This car has been nothing but trouble. I am in the process of saving for a daily driver as we speak. Anyone else with ideas? Also, if it is my alternator, how much do they cost for a new one, and how hard is the install?
-kev

 

What car is it in, how many miles on the motor. On my 1st honda, my alternator braket broke, and everything u described is what happened to me. Not hard at all. 2 bolts. the top one is i think a 12mm loosen that and pull it towards the block, take the belt off. Then take the bolt bolt out i think its a 14mm. Although that bottom bolt is kind of a bitch to take off cause ur engbay wall is right there.

Before u do all this get a multi meter and test the alternator. They come in handy anyway.

good luck

 

1.8 ls motor in crx. about 70,000 miles on the motor. I will let everyone know how it goes. Changing it sunday.