electrical? 98 Rodeo wont start - coincidentally after fender replace

Started the day fixing a smashed up left front fender and side marker (quarter panel and left blinker). Everything went fine and I was able to do the job leaving the wheel on.

Started up fine and went right to get it cleaned. Restarted fine but took 1 second longer, not the usual quick start. Before I left the car wash the radio was spotty cutting in and out. Stopped to get gas 5 min later, even more trouble starting but turned over after 2 seconds. Radio is even spottier and heater blower is at half strength.

Went right to grocery store and was missing power on the gas, similar to before when I had fuel intake cleaned. After grocery store, no start-got a jump and went home. Left the car running to charge battery but she cut off. Cleaned corrosion on ground terminal on battery.

Symptoms: All things requiring power are at half strength, dim interior lights, erratic dash messages and readings, no radio, low power on heater, headlights are low. nothing on start except fast clicking sound if that.

Does the side marker need to be grounded? Otherwise I have no clue how this started as she was fine previously.

I was advised to check alternator and grounding wires, battery load and check engine wiring harness

Sounds like your alternator is going out.

ok, i can live with that and i'm getting the same answer in other places which is good.

Hoping it's not the engine wiring harness or something deep rooted.

The disturbing thing is brief expereince the power loss (pedal to floor no power) when driving which seems unrealted- but related to a previous fuel line issue that took $1000 to remedy.

anyway-

got her back the next day. repair shop seems sharp. about $360 [new alternator and ACDelco 60 series battery].

onto the the next project...

Thanks for the support folks- much appreciated.

I got alot of confidence after putting on the fender and I'm ready to do more stuff myself time permitting.

The disturbing thing is brief expereince the power loss (pedal to floor no power) when driving which seems unrealted- but related to a previous fuel line issue that took $1000 to remedy.

anyway-

Frodiggs,

When you had this previous problem, what was it like and how did you fix? I have 98 Rodeo and am having serious problems now (see thread "98 Rodeo Engine Problems again").

Thanks, and glad you are back on the road.