95 needs a new alternator?

Hey I have a 95 that I can jump start only and I was about to get a new battery but the other day I was just running the car and tried to turn on the headlights and it died. could this be just caused by the battery, or is it the alternator?

also if it is the alternator anyone have a ballpark guess as to cost?

Ballpark... after the core charge... $50, assuming you get a rebuilt one. New will be more.

Bad battery or is it just discharged due to a bad alternator.... well, if you have a voltmeter you can easily check the output from the alternator... hopefully 14v or so. If it is putting out, replace the battery. If it isn't putting out in the neighborhood of 14, replace the alternator.

If no voltmeter, get the car started and then disconnect the negative battery terminal... the car should be able to run on the alternator, though you shouldn't run it that way for long. If the car stalls out, the alternator isn't giving enough power.

thanks for the tip, I never knew you could check an alternator without a volt meter.

Call your local major chain auto parts stores and see which one will test your charging system for free. If you look at their websites, you will be able to get prices for replacement parts.

yeah I was gonna head up to the local Autozone and see if they could test it, I tried the tip about disconnecting the neg. bat. terminal and the car ran fine, I am just gonna get the bat. and hope for the best. thansk again for great advice as useual guys

If the battery light icon on the instrument panel is not lighting up the alternator is probably all right. If your battery is over 4 years old it is probably toast. Get the terminals clean and tight as you put in the new battery. I think you are going to be all right.

I have two 94 escort sw's. It's time to replace the alternator. Pull it out and take to Autozone to check for free. You need to loosen the power steering and coolant reservoir and move aside to make it easier to remove.