Bad Alternator? ('92 Bird 3.8)

Hey all just went out to start my car today. And the first time it started right up, took it around the block a few times, and my MIL came on, and my speedo. was kinda rocky stays at a speed then jumps up and down. My CD player was off. So I went back and parked it in the driveway, and turned on my headlights to see what would happen, and the motor acted like she was under heavy stress shaking that whole car. Then turned off the car, and turned it to KOEO (Key on engine off) and the CD player turned on no problem. But tried to start it, and got the dreaded starter click. So if anyone knows what MIGHT be the problem please let me know!

First fully charge the battery so that you can start the car and test the battery. A quick test is with the engine running, disconnect the Neg battery cable and if the engine quits the problem is with the alternator or regulator because the alternator. output isn't enough to power the engine electronics. Autozone can test the alternator and do a load test on your battery.

You can do a cheap test on your alternator using a voltmeter and if it is putting out around 14 volts its doing good. And it probably means battery

An alternator can supply 14 volts but not be able to handle a load. Testing an alternator with a multimeter is not accurate at all. Neither is testing your battery with one unless you can put it under a load.

True, but if it isn't putting out 14 volts then it is not working properly, I would just take itto advance.