Hi,

My experience is very limited, perhaps sub-newbie even. Earlier this year I believed I was having trouble with my starter as my engine wouldn't crank every time I turned the ignition and I could hear it make a clicking sound. I tried to replace it but couldn't remove all the bolts. When I put the starter back together the engine started right up and continued to do so for 6 months. I started having some trouble again about a week ago. Today I tried cranking the engine and after spinning the flywheel a couple times it stopped. Now my interior lights are very dim and my headlights do not work, the door chime also works. When I put the key in the ignition and turn the headlights on I can hear the headlight relay in the fusebox clicking. There are no other noises or smells. I had a friend try to give me a jump but there was no change. All of my smaller fuses are good but I didn't check the larger ones.

My first suspicion is the alternator. My truck's in a parking garage and funds are (read: very) tight. I'd like to make sure this isn't something I can fix on the spot before I pay for a tow. Any troubleshooting advice would be appreciated. I have access to a multimeter.

Thanks!

 

Well start with measuring the voltage at the battery.

A guess would be either a dead battery from lack of charging .

Was the charge light not on ??

Battery terminals loose or corroded .

A poor ground will not allow a booster battery to crank the engine

Starter solenoid contacts worn to the point they no longer work

 

I'd get a multimeter and start testing voltage while off and while running, ground connections in good condition, fuses, electrical terminal corrosion, and anything that looks abnormal in the electrical

 

Test the battery voltage FIRST.
If it's below 12 volts fully charge it on a battery charger before you do anything else. The alternator wasn't designed to be a battery charger. It was designed to supply voltage for your accessories and keep a CHARGED battery fully charged.
When you use it to charge a battery it puts high demand on the system and it'll shorten the alternators lifespan.

After that check to see if the alternator is functioning properly, Then move to wiring problems.
One thing's for sure, if you continue to drive it with charging problems you will kill that battery. Most batteries don't like to be left under charged either. If you leave them in the 10 volt range they don't like to recover and you'll end up purchasing a new battery because of that too.