Since the arctic chills we had here in Michigan one week ago, I've noticed a sqeeky clicking or knocking sound coming from the engine area. Today the gas light came on assuming i have about 2 miles until empty and i get about 23 miles to the gallon...i only had to drive to school and back about 15 miles. On my way home the battery light came on, headlights dimmed, windshield whippers slowed and engine light came on, also the car temp. gauge was to the max...it was dark and rainy I didn't see any smoke from engine...also i didn't leave any lights on while in class. The engine has about 130,500 miles and i won't need to change oil for another 1,000 miles. If anyone could "steer" me in the right direction. I know a good mechanic , However i moved 35 miles away and just started school, TODAY, MY LUCK. lol. I don't have a lot of money to work with I'm hoping it's just a fluke or nothing too serious. I would appreciate your time and advise. Thank you.

 

Hi Nicole:

The simplest thing would be a loose or broken drive belt. It would all add up, except for the gas gauge.
If that belt is loose it will no longer drive the alternator and the car runs on battery until it is dead. In some engines this belt also drives the water pump. If the water pump is not turning the engine will run hot.
So I hope for you that the only thing you need is a new belt.......and a tank full of gas.
When the fuel warning light goes on you probably have still enough for 50 miles or so. But!! don't let your fuel get any lower that 1/4 full. The fuel acts as a coolant for the fuel pump and having the fuel pump go bad makes for a bad day and a busted budget.

Best of luck with the car and school!

 

Hi tanprotege,

Thank you for your guidance.

I took a look under the hood. It seems the "drive belt", you mentioned, may have broken off because I don't see it. I think the extreme temperatures may have done some damage.
Drive belts are cheaper than alternators, as you know. However, with your experience, how much would the labor cost to replace the belt?

 

It would take me half an hour because I am slow poke. But my rates are exorbitant!

 

The mechanic quoted it costing me approximatly $120. Over the phone he told me no more than $100. Once there he raised it. They did remove my battery so it wouldn't freeze. Waiting for Monday to here the news...hoping its only the belt and not a pulley problem. Thank you again for your time, tanprotege.