Car died at the gas station. Battery was 4+ years old. Autozone was across the street. So I got a new battery to get home. Autozone could not test for me, but I knew the battery was old.

Drove home. Test the battery. 12.58V cold. 12.20V while the engine is at idle. Rev to 3000 rpm, and still at 12.2V. Looks like the alternator is not charging. Remove the positive terminal, and the engine dies.

Conclusion....The alternator is dead. I can replace that, ok.

My question is, there was NO battery indicator light on the dash. Should it lite up if there is something wrong with the charging process? As far as I know, the warning lights do work, so no reason why I would think this battery indicator would not.

Yes, I can replace the alternator. But if it's something else, I may have to take it to the pros. I got the car used, 11 years old, so I don't know the history. I was told it's the original alternator.

Also, my shop of choice is 25 miles away. You think it's safe to drive it there. Car starts up fine with no struggles. There is Brake Max 2 miles away, not my first choice.