I drive a98 toyota camry a couple ofdays ago my battery light started coming on. It would go on sometimes then go off. I was able to start my car fine, so i figured i would getthe batterychanged this weekend.

Just yesterday while driving home, my dash lights start to dim and when I got a stop light, my car started to sputter and eventually died while i was accelerating as the light turned green.

Stuck in the middle of the road Iwas unable to start the car and barely had power for the emergency lights. My friend tried togive me a jump, and i was able to start the car fine and i was able to give it some gas, but then as soon as we disconnected the jumper cables the car would start to die. I ended up getting it towed.

I'm guessing its the alternator. But I cant start the car or use the headlights, taillights...so I'm guessing maybe the failed alternator drained the battery? i'm guessing i'm gonna need a new battery plus alternator....please advise. thank you

 

Assume alternator first then battery. Have battery charged then drive toAuto Zone, Advance even Walmart or like who will probablycheck charging system for free.

 

thanks for reply. Problem is that i can't charge the battery. I can start the car when getting a jump, but as soon as cables are removed the car dies.

 

You'll have to remove it for charging somewhere.

 

depending on how many miles you have on the car. I would change battery and alternator both. Probally due for new ones anyways, esp. battery

 

Based off of this, the alternator really seems to be the problem, a good alternator should be able to keep a car running without a battery.

take is somewhere to be tested any autoparts store should be able to test them both. You are just wasting your time and possible money if you don't get them tested.