Is there anything else it could be? Car wouldn't start, got a jump, voltage read about 10v. Drove around and the voltage spiked up to 16v, then the indicator lights on the dash flashed a few times, then the voltage dropped down again, the tach and speedo stopped working, then the car sputtered and I finally limped off to the side of the road. Thoughts? It's a 2001 996 with 33,000 miles. The battery is less than 2 years old. Is this a typical life expectancy for an alternator?

 

charge the battery with a home charger overnight. see if the car starts. if so, it's likely your alternator since your voltage is fluctuating.

changing it is a bit of work i heard!