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Question I know you don't work on foreign cars, but I think I've got an alternator problem. I have a 1988 Mazda 626 with 172,000 miles. I've never had any problems with it, and recently took it into have an oil change and the radiator flushed. When I got it back, I was driving and the radio started to go quiet. Then the clock on the dash started to go dark, and by the time I had turned around and gotten home, all of the little dash electronics had gone off. As I pulled into home, the car died. I've tried jumpstarting the car, and now all the lights and all are coming on, and I get the tick indicating the car is trying to turnover. Could it be the alternator just got wet, or is it more likely that it is a coincidence and the alternator (or battery) has gone bad. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!!!!!!

Reply I would suggest having the charging and starting systems tested on this vehicle along with your battery. The fact that your electrical accessories started to fail before the engine died does indicate a charging system problem. This does not necessarily mean your alternator is defective. A diagnostic check must be performed on the electrical system to pinpoint the failure. Angelo Silverado Auto Service