Losing Electric Power and triggering sensor lights

[ezekiell]

I have a 97 SC2, when trying to run the car, the lights start to go dim as
if the alternator doesn't work. But before that, my battery light stays
on, then the airbag light comes one, then my dashboard needles die. And
other sensor lights do weird things. Then the engine tries to stall. Is
this just an alternator issue or do I have a bigger problem at hand. Also
should note that the battery is new from 4 months ago.

 

[marx404]

If you have already checked the obvious, I would have your computer checked
for codes, it could be on it's way out.

 

[Bob Shuman]

Sounds like either the alternator, battery (yes, a 4-month old battery can
still go bad), battery connections are dirty, cables are bad, or the
computer. You'll need a good voltmeter to determine the battery condition.
Measure voltage at the terminals before starting (should be 12.5V) and again
after the engine is running at idle (s/b ~14-14.5V).

If the voltage is not above 12V, then it can cause strange behavior.

Bob

 

[BläBlä]

Also keep in mind a bad battery will kill a good alternator, and a bad
alternator will kill a good battery. The last battery could have been
well past its prime and already damaged the alt.

 

[HyperCube33 \(Life2Death\)]

I have a 97 SC2, when trying to run the car, the lights start to go dim as
if the alternator doesn't work. But before that, my battery light stays
on, then the airbag light comes one, then my dashboard needles die. And
other sensor lights do weird things. Then the engine tries to stall. Is
this just an alternator issue or do I have a bigger problem at hand. Also
should note that the battery is new from 4 months ago.

I had the same thing happen on my SC2, 1997. Replace your alternator before
you end up like me - running on a battery in the rain 5 miles home.