OK a while ago my brake light started lighting up, whenever I floor the car it would go away. I took this as one of the first signs the alternator was going bad. Now last night the car would not start up. I got a jump and it started and I was on my way. Today again the car wont start so I get it jumped and leave it idling for about 20 minutes, turn the car off and try to start it again right away and absolutely nothing again. The battery is about a month old, the starter is clicking so I'm assuming its the alternator but wouldnt the car turn off after a few minutes of idling if it was? I'm looking for second opinions but I'm pretty sure its the alternator. And anyone got suggestions on where to get a good alternator at? I know AutoZone has lifetime warranties on them but I also heard you'll be using the warranty quite often if you get it from them. Any help is really appreciated, thanks alot.

 

Are you sure your battery is dead or is your starter just clicking until you get a jump? You are right your car would shut off if the alternator was bad. I am leaning more towards the starter...

 

The batterys not dead, all the interior lights are still bright and the radio is fine. The starter clicks until its jumped, then its all good. I'm leaning more towards the starter also the more I write in here.

 

Yo whats up 2rotors,check the terminal line on the positive. To see theres no corrosion on connection...then check the starter see if the main positive line is connected tight and not loose on the starter..then dis-connect the positive from battery while the car is on...if car turns off ,its the alternator...good luck..

 

On 3rd gen there is a problem with the starter and battery....I Think if I remember what they told me. Is that the igition is not giving the starter the full 12v. So when you crank your starter the igition will drop the battery Voltage to like 11 or 10v. The starter needs 12v to crank fully. About the brake light check your brake fluid..My was coming on because I was low on fluid.