I think i'm ganna need to replace my alternator pretty soon.
When i push on the brake when my headlights are on, they dim for a sec but regain full brightness. Thats about my only sign right now....do you think i will need to replace my alternator in the future?

 

do you have any stereo upgrades, i know your cd changer is messed up, but any amps or anything? Also, have you checked the battery when was the last time that was changed? I know my lights had a BIG dimming problem after I put in my 2000 watt amp and sub, they would dim like crazy, every light in the car, the dash, the stereo. I replaced the alternator to a 185 amp alternator and it helped, but the lights still dimmed a little bit, so I replaced the battery(right now I have a optima redtop, the yellow top is on backorder) and now the headlights are the only lights that dim, and they only dim when the car is just turned on and sitting still, if i rev it to about 1500 rpms, it stops
So my suggestion is try a new battery first, that will be the cheapest route, new alternators can be expensive.

 

It could be the battery, you need to take it an auto parts store for a load check. Don't overlook battery connections as well.

 

I believe the battery was replaced in january 05, so idk if thats a possibility.

Another possibility is my distributor cap is directly above the alternator, and my distributor cap or somewhere around that is leakin oil and that oil could very well be drippin down into the alternator and damaging it???

 

No, i don't have any sound system components at all!

 

If it's leaking enough oil that is a possibllity. Batteries can go bad ay anytime as can alternators and connections can corrode, so go have it tested.

 

best way to check is ........... start the car leave it running and disconnect the battery... if it stalls then its ur alt.

 

Are you serious? That's NOT the best way!!!! If you're alternator isn't bad, after that little test it may be now.

 

The car isn't ganna stall just because of that. It'll keep going as long as there is gas in the tank. The battery only has to do with starting the car!!

 

worked twice for me that lil trick....

ok ok i admit its not the best way... but really the best way is bench testin it...

 

or u can check out alterstart also