So I have a 2004, in really good condition. Never had any trouble starting up. Last night I noticed my battery light was on, so I figured I better get a new one soon. On my way home the other lights started to come on and off randomly, my car stereo shut off etc. At that point I realized this was probably an alternator? Anyway, I'm on the freeway and trying to get to an exit and just made it before the headlights went blank and the car started spasming and shut off. Got it towed... but at least I made it off the highway and avoided and accident before it shut down, thank God.
I'm pretty sure this is an alternator? What do you guys think? How much do you guys think this is going to cost?

 

Just an alternator is cheap and easy. I'd charge teh battery then start it and check the output voltage.

If it's putting out too much voltage it might have fried stuff. If it's just low swap it out for 100 bucks or so and you're good. Go ahead and do your belts also with the age of the car.

 

thanks for the reply. I'm in nyc, so I had to get towed to a mechanic. It kills me that I have to pay people to fix stuff I could easly do myself, but I have no place to do it.
I don't think it would fry anything , since it seems that the everything was dimming. I've probably been draining the battery.
Or so I hope

 

years ago when my alt crapped out i just swapped it on the side of the road. my car was too low to get on a rollback w/o taking the bumper off and using ramps. easy fix