Couple questions guys. First I went to the carwash the other day, I don't know what I was thinking, and when the car was done it wouldn't start, so the guy gave me a jump and the car came right on. So I go to autozone and get my battery and alternator checked. He hooks up that little thing to the battery and of course, he says its the alternator ( it only had one light by the alternator which said low). So I buy an alternator, and now have to get it installed. I haven't had any problems since this incident, about 3 days ago. Could my alternator be okay, or is this normal? Also, about how much should I be looking to pay to get it installed for an 02 max? Thanks a lot fellas.

 

I had a 96 SE and the alternator went bad. The battery light came on and I ignored for about 24 hours. Then I was driving down the road and the slowly sputtered to a stop. The lights still worked and everything. We took the battery out of the other car because it wouldnt stay running after a jump. That solved it temporarily. The alternator + installation cost about $300 at the used car dealership where I bought it, but they split it with me so I paid $157, parts and labor.

Is your battery light on? I think the battery light usually means there is something wrong with the charging system (at least it did on the 96 model), and not a problem with the battery.

 

Have they checked if the alternator is generating proper voltage and current? From what I gather, they did, and said it was bust... So, yes, you likely need a new alternator... Installation is about 1-2 hours so gauge it that way price wise... If you want to do it yourself, check my webpage, I have a how-to on it...

 

No my battery light is not on, and yes I think they checked the voltage output of the alternator, and it was low.

 

if you're driving at night and the interior lights start to look dimmer than usual, your altenator is going to crap out on you.

 

Will alternator problems give you problems with idling by any chance? Idle dropping down to 0 when you try to start... but will start when i hold the gas for a bit for the idle to stay put... i know last time i replaced an alternator.. the car was completely dead and would only make clicking noises..

 

Mad as a Mother******. Just got told that I need new drive belts, gonna charge me $55 to get them. Im mad because I know I could get them from CourtesyParts for like 23 dollars, but Im at work, and need my car ASAP. I knew I needed belts too, so I should have been bought them when the dealer told me so.
P.S. Its not at the dealer, at a local shop gonna be about $300 something to put in Alternator, and belts, and oil change.

 

I paid close to $25 for alternator belt and about $15 for PS... Close enough I guess...