Alright, I was just on my way to my buddies house, and half way there my headlights dim, my dash lights dim, and my radio goes a little quieter. I automatically look at the volts guage, and it went almost instantly from about 14 volts down to 12. I shut off the headlights, and turned home. I made it home with the guage at about 10 or 11 volts.

Does this mean my alternator went out, or something else? I thought alternators usually went out slowly? I am probably gonna take my dads car to go get a reman unit from AZ right now. I think I have enough juice left to start it one more time, and to run the FP long enough to get it in the garage.

Thanks!

 

An alternator can die in an instant, I wouldn't consider it surprising.

Before you take it out of the car to have it checked at AutoZone for free, you can check the FAN fuse under the dash. It not only powers the fan relay but also the alternator. If the fuse is ok, take a voltmeter (or testlight) and test the main positive lead on the back of the alternator and the also brown wire on the alternator connector. They both should show battery voltage.

Hope this helps.
Lou

 

Well, it was the alternator. I ended up just buying a new one, because I figured it was the culprit. I had to get to AZ beofre 9, and I needed to buy a torx bit set to get the old one out, so I just bought the reman unit from duralast. I didnt think to have them "test" the alternator. And that fuse thing is good to know.

It only took me 15min to take out the old one and put the new one in. Started right up, and now the guage is right about where I guess 14.5 volts is. Even higher than the origional one.

I am wondering if now I ruined the old one. I was spraying some belt dressing on the serp belt last night, and a little overspray hit someting in the alternator area. It started making a weird squeaking noise and made it all day today too. Now with the new unit, it is quiet again.

I just wish Acme Auto was open tonight, but they have real selective hours. AZ was the only store open after 8, but I haven't heard too many good stories about their stuff. However, my reman dizzy from them has lasted a few weeks now with no problems so far, so thats good.