Parents' car. Posting this to get more ideas. I already have some, but why not use the resources, eh?

I was telling my mom a few things about her car, then she said she'* been having a recurring problem. She mentioned when it'* really hot out sometimes after starting the car and driving for a little ways the check engine light will go on and chiming, the AC shuts off and the battery volt gauge drops to 0. She also said she'* pretty sure the radio doesn't work either when this happens. Moments later everything will start working again.

Any ideas? I'm thinking battery or alternator. Possibly corroded battery cables.

I'm going to ask her more questions to get more specific info in the meantime.....

EDIT: I asked her more questions and she said it may not be the check engine light, but the battery light that goes on, which would make more sense.

I am betting on a dying alternator. Something similar happened to my buddy'* 02 Silverado with the 5.3, he said his Volt gauge would drop and the and the battery light would come on, and then eventually go back to normal, and do it quite often. 2 weeks later the alternator took a poop.....








........100 some miles from home.

Yeah, she said it'* happened a few times. I think the last time it happened was August 3rd. But she said it happened last year IIRC. If it was a dying alt. I'm surprised it has been happening very sporadically for over a year.

I'll have to check with her to see how often it happens. Apparently though it'* only on a hot day. :?