I drive a 1991 Suzuki Sidekick JA.  (8V)

I arrived home yesterday from a near by town about 100 kms away when I noticed that my battery indicator light on my dash board was dimly lit.

I turned off the engine and then I tried to restart it. It made like two clicking noises and then started up but the battery light was brighter and then went out when I pressed on the gas a little..

To make a long story short, I went out to the movies, and on the way back, it was night, my cd player gave out, all my dash lights were dim, my head lights, side markers and brake lights were very dim also. I pulled into my drive way and the car just died.

I thought it was the battery, I had it boosted and the engine gave out again anyhow. I bought a new battery and the engine starts up again...but the light is still dimly lit...

Is it time for a new/rebuild alternator?

Thank you in advance for any information.

SOunds like your alternator is toast.  

"I arrived home yesterday from a near by town about 100 kms away when I noticed that my battery indicator light on my dash board was dimly lit. "

This is exactly why I detest idiot lights.  If you had a gauge there, you would have seen this one coming.

Get the alternator tested and be ready to replace it.

Been there done that.

Thanks friend, I will get it replaced on Tuesday...I wish I didn't spend so much on a new battery now...the old one was probably still fine.  

What's the word? How much did it cost?

Hi there friend,

I had the old alternator replaced with a nice clean rebuild for $150 + $60 labour plus taxes (CDN as I live in Canada). Came out to a grand total of $241...which is pretty damn nifty.  I was expecting it to cost more.

My Sidekick runs great now! I am quite relieved...I have sort of justified the reasoning for buying the new battery also...

...The way I see it, if I didn't spend the $84 for on a new battery which gave me enough power to get my Sidekick home, I would have had to spend almost that much money on a tow truck if not more being as it was our Thanksgiving this past weekend.

Anyhow...thanks for the info man, all is well.