stranded by an electrical problem
 

my 1997 died tonight. the adb and airbag lights came on then the dash lights dimmed and wipers slowed to a crawl. then some other idiot lights came on and the lights dimmed and the car eventually died.

it seems like an alternator or other charging system component but i don't recall seeing an alternator light come on. the belts are intact.

any ideas as to what could be going on? it has 130,000 miles on it and i am guessing the original alternator.

my vote is dead alternator or possibly a really bad battery.

Bad voltage regulator or dried battery cell.

I guess I was expecting an alternator or charging light to come and say I was low in voltage. We'll check the alternator.

My money in on the ground strap or death battery or loose terminals

Check the ground strap, but otherwise your alternator brushes are toast. Common issue at your mileage. The failure occurs very quickly just like you described.

You can replace the whole alternator or, if your bearing feels okay (must check with no belt tension), you can just change the brush/regulator pack for $35.

Good Luck!