1993 SC2 loses power when switching gears.

HI, i have 1993 Saturn SC2. Recently i went out and it wouldn't start. No radio/alarm/lights. So i jumped the car and it started fine. As i began to drive and shift gears, the car would die while i shifted. I'd lose radio/lights/alarm, all the power. Needs to be jumped again to start and the process repeats. Any ideas? Thanks.

sounds like a dead alternater, i had one a while back. the car has to work on battery power alone without the alternater, which only last so long (maybe 30 minutes tops, depending on battery size and electrical load) one side effect is the engine won't be able to idle below a certian RPM, hence stalling when you took your foot off the gas to shift. (i had to use the hand brake to stop because i had to keep my foot on the gas, not a fun thing to do)

are you interrested in replacing it yourself?

I was thinking about replacing it if it wasn't *too* hard. I'd like to try to save myself some money if possible (college student). So I was going to look into what needs to be done to replace the alternator.

its hard, but not imposible

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=23960

I replaced my alternator about 2 weeks ago in my 94 SL2. It was pretty simple it's just in a bad place. You have to take off your front passenger wheel and then remove the wheel well shields. Then you should be able to loosen the belt tensioner and remove the belt from the alternator. The next step is just removing the dust shield and then 2 bolts and 2 wires...and there it is!