impractical

Was raining out and I was putting the window up. I noticed the window was going up slow, then I noticed my Radio wasn't on anymore.
Then the traction control light went on and off.
Then the dummy lights all went on.
I stopped and put some gas into it since it was still running and drove to my home a mile away.
By the time I got home (two stop lights and one guy making a left turn) EVERYTHING was gone: No blinkers, no brake lights no dash lights, no speedometer, odometer, gas and engine temp.
Got home, turned it off, then tried to restart... engine churned once then the clicking sound as if the battery were dead. So I jump started it. It ran for a bit, all the while the power items would go on and off. Then, after about 5 mins of idling the engine started to hesitate and then stopped.

Does this sound like an alternator? or should I just not waste my time replacing the alternator and just have it towed to a mechanic that knows what he is doing, but will probably replace more than what is needed? (or at least charge for replacing it LOL).

Nuke

Welcome to the world of the S197 charging system and battery. Have the battery and alternator load tested. The OE batteries are garbage and the alternators are marginal. A chronicly weak battery will cause an already marginal alternator to eventually fail.

impractical

Not sure when I bought the battery (Die Hard Gold). But recently my A/C compressor would shut off and that musty air would pump out when I was at a stoplight, then the air would kick back up when I started driving again. I am just hoping it isn't some crazy computer/electrical thing.

I guess I'll take out the alternator if I can and get it checked at Auto PArts store... I haven't replaced my own alternator since '95 when my '87 Mustang needed it. Wasn't a serpentine belt back then :O

wayne613

It's dead jim.

Should be pretty easy for ya:
http://iihs.net/fsm/?dir=370&viewfil....0L%20SOHC.pdf

impractical

Thanks. It WAS the alternator. Removed it, tested it and it failed. Tested Battery too, just in case. Luckily for my wallet, it was only the alternator.