1996 Saturn SL2 Alternator?

DIBUPP

MEMBER
1996 SATURN SL2
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
77,000 MILES

I am not a car expert and will call the garage tomorrow, but just wondered about the alternator. I was driving my car this morning and heard a noise, but didn't think anything about it and went to the store and when I came out and started my car, what a banging and clanking noise under the hood. I continued driving, hoping I would get home (5 miles) and I did, but the battery light would come on and off and when I slowed down, you could really hear the terrible clanking noise. I opened the hood when I came home and it looked like it was coming from the alternator. A woman who doesn't know cars!
Is it safe to drive the car to the garage, which is less than a mile from here? I am so embarrassed over the noise! Any ideas what the problem is?

Thank you.

Dianna Bupp

2 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

Hard to say if the alternator is making that noise the belt tenisor could be rattling causing the alternator to slip and battery light to come. Or it could be ur alternator rattling internally or it might be loose banging around hard to say if it's loose without looking at it. When there loose I have seen them break the engine block. As far driving it that one mile I really couldn't tell u if it was safe because I don't know what's wrong with it.I would hate to see u cause more damage to ur car. So it's ur call to drive it or not but from the way u describe the noise it doesn't sound good if it's that loud. So without seeing I would say tow it just to be on the Side but like I said up too u. Good luck and let me know what u find.