Symptoms for bad Alternator?

[top_end95]

Yesterday the car was driving great and when I went out this morning to start it, it wouldn't. First I heard clicking from the engine bay, then I disconnected the battery. Then I reconnected it and it would only stay on for a couple of seconds, 2-5 at the most.

I had a PS leak yesterday which was dripping very little on the alternator. I fixed the leak and drove the car all day yesterday without a hint of a problem.

Could it be the alternator when it wasn't having any problems at all yesterday?

Quick replies will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Korndogg]

get a voltmeter (i suggest a multimeter)
test the (DC) voltage across the battery... it should be about 12V with the car off (with a charged battery) and about 14.5V with the car running..
if the voltage doesn't come up to 14.5 or so, then your alternator is most likely not doing so well (unless you didn't have 12V in the first place. in which case you should get a different battery to test with (and use))

 

[top_end95]

Found out it was the alternator. It was registering a 10. something (I forgot), good thing I have warranty on it from Oreilly's.