On the drive home from work today the battery light went on. Shortly after, the spoiler light, traction control and a couple others went on and it wouldn't shift out of first gear. I was a mile from home so I crawled the rest of the way. AC shut off, windows wouldn't roll down and the stereo shut off. I switched off the engine and tried to start it but nothing happened. I was able to lock and unlock the doors. Could this be as simple as a dead battery? I hope so.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

It very well could be your battery especially if the battery is at least 3 years old.

I've read posts about dead batteries, but have yet to see one about an alternator failure.

It may also be your alternator, serpentine belt, corroded/loose battery cables, or loose connections at the alternator. Any of these would prevent your alternator from charging your battery.

If you cant have your battery and altenator tested, replace the battery. If the battery drains again in a matter of days, then it wasn't the battery. This applies well to older batteries that are approaching the end of their life cycle anyway. Even if its not the battery, you were going to need a new battery soon anyway.

Good Luck

 

It was the alternator and they "said" my battery cable needed to be replaced. I'm still waiting for parts to be shipped from Detroit but at least this is almost over.