'98/cavalier/ need repair advice

[atmosphericphyre]

Got a problem with my Chevy. It's a '98 Cavalier. The other night I was driving home (gonna stop at the store on the way) when my interior lights dimmed along with my headlights. I thought battery trouble. I stopped at the store, just to make sure I wouldn't cut off on the side of the road, and when I came back out it wouldn't start. All there was was a "click" from the engine area each time I turned the ignition. I found someone to jump me off, but nothing happened. The next day I got it to, very reluctantly, start and drove it home. Now, all it does is the "click" in the engine area.

Is it my battery, starter, or alternator and what am I looking at cost and labor wise to get whatever it is repaired? Would I do better to just fix it myself (am pretty good at such things.)?

Really appreciate any advice and/or help anyone can give me.

Thanks,
Justin.

[Austin8214]

You need to try and jump it agian a get it started. Then take a volt meter and see how many volts the alternator is putting out. Should be 14 volts. From the way you have discribed things I think the alternator is your problem but you need to check and make sure first. As far as cost of the repair I would say you a looking at about $200 to replace the alternator but call around and get a few quotes first.

[atmosphericphyre]

possible to rebuild / but rebuilt alternator for less money? ...working on a budget of about nothing...

[Austin8214]

Originally Posted by atmosphericphyre

possible to rebuild / but rebuilt alternator for less money? ...working on a budget of about nothing...

Yes you may be able to buy a rebuilt for less money. I am not sure how much though. I would say if you install it yourself you would be able to get out of it for less than $100. The $200 I said is worst case meaning if you took it to a dealer.

[cousincletus]

Try www.car-part.com for a junkyard in your area. Around here you can get a junkyard alternator for $35.00. Guaranteed for 90 days too.