So, I started up my car today and suddenly the BRAKE and BATTERY lights lit up and remain lit the whole time I was driving.

The headlights were also very dim (when I was driving this evening).

I checked the battery and the wires, all seems tight/fine.

Could this mean the alternator went bad?

If so, would anyone on here know how to replace it for me? Or know of any CHEAP place to go? I don't have a lot of money to spend. So, I do not want to take it to one of those fancy mechanics (they'll probably charge $100-$200 for labor).

Its a 1992 Geo Storm.

Any thoughts?

9/12/2006 9:32:59 PM

you can get the alternator tested for free at any autozone/advance auto

that said, it's very possible it's the alternator and should be a relatively easy fix (being a tiny 3cyl engine and all) if you have a little car sense (and some tools).

9/12/2006 9:41:18 PM

yeah, there's no reason to spend that much in labor for most alternator installs.

and not all Metros are 3 cyl.

9/12/2006 10:22:39 PM

Quote :

"and not all Metros are 3 cyl."

Quote :

"Its a 1992 Geo Storm."

[Edited on September 12, 2006 at 10:48 PM. Reason : still not a 3cyl, but yeah...]

9/12/2006 10:47:40 PM

Ten bucks says your alternator has indeed shit the bed. And judging from your symptoms, I'd say that you have a rectifier failure. But I could be wrong. I am every now and then.

9/13/2006 12:13:50 AM

The thing is I don't want to waste time figuring how to replace it (since I haven't done it before). Anyone know how to do it or can suggest a cheap place to go?

9/13/2006 10:48:35 PM

^^ Dan knows his shit... my alternator just went bad too symptoms sound the same too

9/14/2006 12:08:30 AM

I'm pretty sure not a soul in here knows how to change an alternator on any car, sorry cry:

9/14/2006 9:54:03 AM

PM me....I'll come look at it.

I'll do it for free if its not too complicated.

[Edited on September 15, 2006 at 10:33 PM. Reason : .]

9/15/2006 10:32:54 PM

you know it would be cheaper to buy a new car... follow my math here....

alternator- 59.95 at autozone
labor to install - 50.00
------------------------
total 109.95

vs.

1992 geo storm worth 28 bucks
--------------------------------
total 28.00


yeah you should prob just buy a new car

[Edited on September 16, 2006 at 10:00 AM. Reason : ]

9/16/2006 10:00:39 AM

haha

9/16/2006 10:28:35 AM

9/17/2006 1:22:07 AM

i can do it for you if dan is busy

[Edited on September 17, 2006 at 1:23 AM. Reason : but only before tuesday then im retiring for a week]

9/17/2006 1:23:18 AM