is my alternator toast?

[scotts95xlt]

battery light came on this morning, but volt gauge never moved. This evening, she cranks fine, runs fine, dash lights and head lights are dim, volt gauge is now near the bottom, and the batter light is still on. I turn off the headlights and accesories and start to drive, volt gauge shoots back up to normal. I just got this damn thing, and have already put $600 into it!

 

[BradE.]

Sounds like it's time for a new alternator. Since your replacing it anyway, now is the perfect time to upgrade to a 130 amp unit. It will give you more power to run all your accessories, and it's a direct bolt in replacement for the stock 95 amp unit.

 

[scotts95xlt]

that's what I figuered. Advance Auto sells the 130amp for $111. I think I will replace my stuck open thermostat while I am (er, my mechanic) is at it.