Not sure... Is it my alternator? Or something else?

[Quickslick4444]

My 88 currently is having issues. One night while driving the dash dimmed and the the wipers would not work. Next mourning car wouldn't start. I figured it was just the alternator because the battery was relatively new. Then jumped it that day and it was running fine. After 15 min I turned it off and then I turned it on and it started right up. That night I started it up and the dash and headlights were dim. When I attempted to drive it stalled twice. What does this sound like to y'all? Faulty wires, bad alternator... what?

[25Horseplay]

If the alternator tests good, try checking for a loose ground.

[Pu241]

Only happens with headlights on?
Next time your driving it and the headlight dims, try pulling over and shutting off the headlights and see what happens.
Might help isolate wiring issue.

Pu241

[Quickslick4444]

Ya im gonna take the alternator to pepboys or wherever they test alternators. I have a feeling its a rotted wire or loose wire.

[F3BZ]

check bat voltage with eng. off-should be about 12V. have someone start car while u watch the voltmeter. voltage should be about 13-15V. turn on headlights with eng. running. voltage should drop but then go up again. this would pretty much indicate a good alternator. if u don't get these readings, check alt belt for proper tension and condition before condeming the alternator.

[Quickslick4444]

I messed around with it today. Jumped it checked the alt tension. Everything seemed fine. Ran for 15 min turned it off and it wouldn't even click to start. I just don't understand cause the battery is only a couple months old. Is it possible its the battery?

[funky technician]

did you check your main line fuseable link on the right of the engine bay, if its intermittently makeing a conection, it may cause those symptoms

[packrat427]

Is it a Walmart battery ??

[festifrank]

to do an easy alternator test start your car and than unplug the battery. The car is suppose to keep running even if you open all the lights and accessories. If not you have an alternator trouble.

[Dave G]

did you check your main line fuseable link on the right of the engine bay, if its intermittently makeing a conection, it may cause those symptoms

This gets my vote.