OK... I am sure that this has been covered, but I am unable to find the info I need, so I am (probably) reposting this:

I have an 88 2.6l Trooper, 5Spd. I have just done a good bit of work on it, Head Gasket, radiator, water pump, belts, hoses, thermostat, new vacuum lines, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, oil filter, blah blah blah... What is happening is not a new occurence, it was happening before I did all of this, I think... When I start it, it starts and runs for about 10 seconds, then the check enging light goes out and then it dies.

I think the closest I found to a similar issue was someone having an alternator issue. I have another alternator I can put on it, but I would like to have it checked before doing that, what specifically do I need to have checked on the alternator? Is it something I can take to Auto Zone and tell them to make sure they check the "___" for "___"?? That way I know it checks out correctly before I go through the hassle of putting another Alt on. Basically make sure it is a good one before I put it on so I can rule out the alternator as an issue if the start and die thing is still present.

Thanks in advance, y'all!

John in Salisbury, NC.