So my son was driving our 8 today (2004) and it started doing weird things and then died. First of all it is -20 Celsius but the car is stored in a heated garage. He was driving this evening and the battery light came on and then all the ABS, seatbelt, traction control, e-brake lights all came on then the stereo shut off then it seemed to be losing power, he turned the headlights off and on but they never came back on and then the engine "surged" up and down then he was able to coast into a parking spot and it finally died. Now there is nothing. Any Ideas? I need this thing running asap so quick responses are appreciated.

 

Battery is not charging either because it's dead or the charging system is dead. Local auto shops can test battery and alt separately and let you know which to fix.

Silly question, is the alternator belt still attached?

 

Not a silly question...I was so frustrated I just left it sitting in the parking lot and drove off. Now that I have calmed down I will go have a look at it.

 

So belts are on and it fired right up and we were able to drive it several blocks then same same. I am sure of alternator now. I will get it home in the morning on a full charged battery then proceed to check alternator output, etc.