[383SBC]

Hey guys, need a little help here before I go out and spend some money on new parts. For the past couple days when driving my 2002 ford mustang V6, I have been noticing dimmer lights, slower starting and a loss in power and sometimes the engine will hesitate to respond to the throttle position. It had been getting progressively worst until tonight when it really got bad. I was driving home and all the dash lights were a lot fainter than usual and I noticed the ABS light and AIRBAG light had come on the dash. The car started hesitating a lot worst and I noticed the needle in the Voltage gauge on the dash had gone BELOW the low mark. At this point the radio wouldn't even turn on and the signal lights wouldn't work either. The engine would hardly respond to a change in throttle position so I had no other choice but to pull off the road. So with all of this in mind I am assuming that this would lead me to believe it is the alternator that needs replacing....... as far as I know it is original. Once I got it pulled over the lights were extremely dim and I turned it off, the starter just clicked when I attempted to restart. I am leaving the car there overnight and I am going to go replace the alternator tomorrow if this is the cause of my problem. With what I have described would you guys agree it's most likely the alternator, I just want to make sure before I go buy one because I can't return it once it is purchased. I don't see how the battery would just give way like this in a couple of days?? If there is anything else I am overlooking PLEASE inform me and any other suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks,
Keith

[cunningham]

Take the alternator with you when you go for a new one. They can test it for free at most auto supply stores. Sure sounds like the alternator to me.

[sqzbox]

Your battery probably gave it up after more than a couple of day's. If the alt. goes bad, the engine will run off the battery for awhile until it can't provide enough juice to start or run the computer. Low voltage to the computer will cause your symptoms. If the battery is original also, might want to replace it too. After you replace the alt. your going to have to start it so your going to need a full charge in the battery. Also, don't over look the battery connections for corrosion.

[T-bucket23]

Most likely the alternator is bad. Most modern cars start shutting down non essentials to preserve more power to run the engine. The first things to get shut down are things like ABS.
If it is a 2002 and the battery is original you need to replace that also or you will burn up the new alternator.

Have the alternator tested, and have the battery charged or replace it.