This morning as I drove to work I slowed from highway speed to take it easy over a rough bump, as I did the Battery & Brake indicator lights came on. I drove for quite awhile with these on with no problems. As I got close to work, everything started cutting out. The dials started jumping; the radio cut in-and-out; the climate controls began blinking on-and-off; and the engine began cutting out!! I've tried to re-start the engine, but now the only thing that happens is there is a clicking noise and the indicator lights, as well as the interior lights all dim dramatically. Not sure where to start. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what it could be? Going to go back at lunch to take a look at everything just hoping for some clues to help.

 

Start with urgent batt recharge...

Warning lights are not xmas decorations, theyre for reason: if charge warn light is on, it means NO URGENT CHARGE = youll soon run out of your batt.

Suspects:
- alt belt, see pic [2.] never serviced =vaporized (find out & do basic maint)
- alt dead (replace)

clic on http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/23

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Do realize that the indicator lights are there for a specific problem, but since I drive 55 miles to and from work each day, and was in the middle of the trip(BFE), no real chance to inspect anything. Thanks again for the suggestion. I'll start with that and hope that if the ALT is the culprit that it didn't totally take the battery with it!!

 

With charge light (in maxima) its ok, but if oil light comes on, I suggest immediate stop...

Some cars have waterpump utilizing same belt as alt, there immediate stop saves from engine swap; one cannot drive 55miles thus its wise to stop at 15miles instead of engine exploding at 20miles.

There may (only/additionally) be alt wiring problems.