Alternator or Battery?
 

So I was driving home for lunch maybe 40 mph and then i notice the dash board cuts out and then comes back on. Immediately after that I notice my Voltmeter is bouncing around like crazy from 12 - 16 volts. I park and try to restart the car but its dead. What u guys think alternator or battery?:shakes head:

Got a voltmeter? No, not the one in the car.

I have a hand held one recommendations?

Do this first - make sure the clamps on battery poles are tight. If they're, then proceed below.

Charge the battery using a battery charger for a couple hours, disconnect the charger, and measure the voltage. If voltage declined and fell below 12V, it's likely bad.

If the battery tested good, start the car, and measure voltage again while the engine is running. If it's less than 12.8V, the alternator may be bad.

Probably both the alternator and battery. A good working alternator would provide all the juice needed while the engine is running. Another word, you can disconnect the battery and the car would keep running.

I would check for any loose connection, especially if you have installed any after market electronics. however, the oem battery only last about 3 to 4 yrs.

Sounds like the alternator went out and the car running drained the battery, thats why it wouldnt restart. A good test is get the car running and disconnecg the ground terminal from the battery. If the car dies your alternator is bad.