Just noticed this yesterday that when I am idling, all my lights ( inside and outside) go dim...When I tap on the gas..everything brightens up again, till the car comes to a rest again, and then everythings dimms again....
What could be the problem? Battery/alternator?

 

sounds like an alternator problem

 

if the batter was THAT bad, the car would never start w/out a jump.

 

Is there anyway of checking the alternator to see if it is faulty?

 

take it to an autozone, pep boys, or trak auto. They can test it.

 

hmm well if u test any power source i assume you will get a sporatic reading. voltage wont will be jumping up and down.
but save yourself the trouble.. like GBAUER said take it a autostore. not sure what u have there in Ottawa.

 

You can take it to Canadian Tire or Parts Source. They can test them there, but would not suggest that you buy a new one there...

 

with the car is running disconnect the battery. if the alternator is fine then it will keep running. if it dies then it is bad. the battery is only for starting the car. once its running the alternator provides power

 

Thanks soonerfan..will try that out tonight