Driving down the highway and the radio just stops working. Car keeps driving fine for about 50 miles. Radio comes back to life, then dies when I break and comes back when I accelerate. Then the next time I drive the car it heats up and when I come back from the bank all the lights are dim and I cannot start it. Someone gives me a jump start and I drive home. But then the electrical begins to dim and fail and then after about four miles it just dies at eh stop sign. No power on anything. Leave it standing about a week. Jump in and it starts, but notice that the dome light and indicators are quickly loosing juice. Turn it off and write this. Anyone a detective around here could figure out the possible reasons for this bad behavior?

 

It sounds like the alternator has quit charging. Do you have a voltmeter to check the output of the alternator? I would also check the underhood fuses to make sure they are ok.

 

I would really like to speak with bkey71 about my 94 protege which the battery was put in wrong installed battery right now only the headlights work, nothing else works, it is dead except for the headlights, what have I done to my car? bkey71, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about cars. HELP

 

The most common problem is the main fuse blows when the battery is reversed. Look for the underhood fusebox and locate the fuse labeled "MAIN", it is an 80A and black. You can not pull it out, it is held in with two 10mm bolts under it. You can buy this fuse at any auto parts store.