Gradual fading of lights and Stalled - bad alternator??

On my way to work today my 09 started acting odd, the interior gauge lights and stereo started fading and the headlights got dimmer. As I pulled into my parking spot the engine died. When trying to start it just clicks now. What happened?

Second question, if it does jump start will it still die as I'm driving? In other words should I just get a tow to my mechanic instead of trying to drive there myself?

 

Sounds like a bad alternator, you'll have to swap it out before you can go anywhere.

 

Was the battery light on your dash illuminated?

Remove your battery cables, clean, and ensure they are snug.

Remove the Battery, put it on a trickle charger if possible.

Check the cable going to the alternator, ensure that it's clean of corrosion and snug.

Reinstall battery and start....then use a a multimeter to test what the charge of the system is.

You can also go to many auto parts stores and they can test the battery and alternator for free.

 

If it takes a jump and runs, and then dies again soon after you unhook the jumper cables from your battery, it's likely the alternator that's gone.

 

Run a meter to check alternator output and also check the heath of the battery with it...That's a starting point

 

Well, it died as I was pulling into work so instead of trying to get it home I just had AAA tow it to my shop. I'm almost certain its alternator, my dash lights came on first, the radio started fading out and the dash lights started fading out. The battery is about a year old and the alternator is original and has about 230K miles on it so it's not surprising. The tow driver got it started pretty easily with just a jumper pack and drove it onto the flatbed. I'll post back once the shop looks it over but I'm guessing it's going to be at least $500 to replace the alternator and probably just go ahead and get the pulleys and belt changed out as well.

 

Was the battery light on your dash illuminated?

Remove your battery cables, clean, and ensure they are snug.

Remove the Battery, put it on a trickle charger if possible.

Check the cable going to the alternator, ensure that it's clean of corrosion and snug.

Reinstall battery and cables and go from there.

 

I think you are correct. If the alternator was charging the battery, doubt it would have died as you approached your parking spot. If you had advanced warning, you could have taken it to an auto parts store like Advance Auto for a free battery and alternator check. The alternator isn't a difficult swap on a 4.0L.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF_PM_CfnAM