last night i was driving and slowly the car started to die out. The headlights, dash lights, power windows, all stopped working and the car would not accelerate anymore. Eventually it just died. After letting sit for a half hour or so, waiting to get towed home by a friend, the car started up agian (i guess the better had some juice left) but same thing happen again as i try to drive it. I think the alternator might be bad but wanted to get some feed back. all help is appriciated.

P.S. the car started up this morning again but slowly the lights were dimming out and the engine would die.
Thanks

 

battery?

 

shouldn't the car run once it is started since the alternator charges the battery. I had the car in the dealer two weeks ago to change the alternator and i think those "professionals" screwed up or something.

 

Check your alternator to battery connections. Your altenator may not be connected properly and is not charging your battery thus it is running down on you.

 

is there a way to test the alternator?

 

First, check all cables, both ends. Including the cable that grounds your transmission to the chassis.

When the engine's running, the battery voltage should be around 14v. Leave it running, turn on headlights, blower, defogger, stereo... It should still be around 14v. If it drops much, your alternator is weak.

 

lets assume the alternator is bad, if i throw in a new battery will it get drained quick, or will it last a while?

 

There sure is. You can have it done at Autozone and get your battery tested as well.

 

changed the battery and also had to change a fuse. the fuse was the fault. thanks to all.

 

depends how bad the alternator is. but in any case it will not last long.