Yup, go the cheaper route first. Yank the battery out and have it check at your local Auto Parts place. If your battery is good, then move on to the Alternator. Unless you know what your doing as far as replacing parts inside the alternator, leave that for the pros.

Heres is my advice which has cost me a load of headaches and losing more than money that it's worth (I ended up taking the local rebuild place to court and won).

Never, ever, never, ever buy a Rebuilt Alternator. Buy a New one or Remanufactured one from a reputable place. There is a difference with Rebuilds and Remans.

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2004 Gray/Gray 3.0 X5