you sure the ALT is dead? I would take it off and test it first. IIRC there is a fuse bus that protects the alt to the battery too. its like an ubber fuse

Yea the alternator was fried. The mechanic said he put in a new alternator but how can i tell for sure if he did or not. Price was $505 for part and lbor.

i don't trust mechanics.....

congras! $505 is a small price if compared to replacing all those electronics. I was half suspecting that the battery would be fried instead of the alternator but it seemed to be the reverse.