So lately, my amp gauge has been looking like this:



Could this be a sign my alternator is going bad? (The battery is about 5 years old.)

 

"So lately"? The car isn't going to go for very long like that. Could be either the alternator is out, or dead cell(s) in the battery and it isn't taking a charge. Do you have a volt meter to test the output, at the alternator?

 

I don't have any sort of testing equipment. What's in the pic is the lowest it's been, usually it's just above the orange, but still low

 

Your center line (white) is the 13 volt mark. It's volts by the way, not amps. Where it is in the pic is about 10~11 volts. It would be a good idea to invest in a test meter, even a cheap one for 10 bucks or less is better than nothing. You could pull the battery, take it in and have it load tested. If it checks out, chances are it's the alternator. It could be a wiring issue, but probably more likely the alternator. That's where the meter would come in handy, to check output directly at the alternator. Do you know anybody who has a battery charger? I would get one on the battery asap, as the car's going to crap out on you soon.

 

well the gauge was back in the clear again this morning. Not by much, but still higher nonetheless. I'll get the battery tested this afternoon.

 

check all your connections and look for any corrosion. but likely looks like an alternator...you can take it to a local parts store and they should be able to load test the battery and check the alternator for you.

 

harbor freight has multi meters on sale for $3 originally $10

 

yep clean the heck outa them battery terminals and cable ends. free and sometimes thats all it is. im sure a parts store would lend you a volt meter for a parking lot check of the alt and battery volts.

 

Autozone can load test the alt still in the car it will check the diodes and regulator too

 

well it died on me in the car wash this afternoon fortunately I had cables and was able to get a jump...it started later tonight, so I'm hoping I'll be good to get to the car show tomorrow, then I'll take care of it on the way back.