Battery or Alternator or other???

[christie1124]

Got in my 2001 Mits Eclispse SPyder last night and it wouldn't start - no sounds at all, interior lights dim but worked. Got a jump and it cranked right up. Drove for almost 2 hours home, radio worked, headlights full strength, everything was working. Except for a strange phenomena...whenevr I would turn on my brigh tlights for th first hour, it would make the radio and dash lights cut out for about a second. Then everything would be on, working properly. The same thing happened when I would turn off the bright lights. I got home, cut my car off, and immediately tried to start it again. Dead. No sounds, clicking, nothing. Tried top jump it and nothing again. Is this a completely dead battery? Is my alternator bad? Or something else. Everyone is telling me to take it to an auto parts store for voltage tests. However, I can't get it started. Help please. Where do I need to start short of having it towed (expense....) to a mechanic for untold repairs???

[808drifter]

Think your batterys dead.

[shmoo]

battery is way dead. get a new one, then have the alternator tested at your neighborhood parts store.