Hey there..
I just need someones quick opinion. I have a 1993 Buick Century with 124,000 miles on it and, I believe, a 3.3L engine. I go to school about 3 and 1/2 hours from where I live and I'm supposed to go home for spring break soon. The problem is that for a few weeks, my dash lights would kind of flicker at me. I had gone to and from home twice while they had done this. Also, on one of the trips my battery light on my dashboard flashed on for about .2 seconds and I haven't seen it go on since. I had gone home about a week and a half ago; and when I came back to school I hadn't used my car. I went to use it at the end of last week and it was completely dead. I know it could either be the battery or the alternator. I have a new battery and I'm going to put that in myself; but I'm a little worried about driving home for my spring break and having my alternator go somewhere on the Mass Pike. THAT would NOT be fun. I had my battery and alternator tested at advanced auto and both tested fine. What do you think the odds are that I need a new alternator as well as a new battery?

Hi neighbor!

The battery is a great idea and I'm not quite sure how it tested good. If it's a few or more years old it should go - especially if it's been run down as you said. They also take a VERY hard hit being dead when it's cold out which can kill a new one right away.

I'd seriously think about getting a new alternator. It may test out ok but they can be funky. Doable yourself if you have some tools available. Make sure belt stays tight too. Alternator and battery highly affect each other and either can take the other out. If battery was weak for a while alt probably overworked and they don't like that.

Do clean up or replace battery cable ends as needed. Remember to take neg off first and back on last! 5/16" or 8mm wrench or socket for those. If you can - check out the engine and starter motor end of the battery cables too. If this uses the remote spot to jump battery clean all those connections as well.

Good luck.

Ps: I'm about 20 min from intersection of 495 and "The Pike"

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/