I was working out of town today. On my way home my wife calls me and says the message screen on our 98 xj8 says battery not charging. At first I though there was a problem with the alternator. She was about 5 miles from home so I told her to go straight home and don't shut the car off till you get there unless there is another problem. I hang up and then I think she may have lost the serpentine belt. I call her back and ask her if the car was hard to steer. She said yes. I told to stop the car at the nearest place that was safe from traffic. She did and when I got to where she was I opened the hood to find the belt was off. After closer inspection I saw that the idler pulley was gone. I trailered the car to my ship and repaired it with a pulley and belt from one of my parts car. Her pulling over quickly saved the car from overheating and loosing a motor. I guess I owe her a dinner or a trip to wine country.

Picture of belt and what's left of the ldler.

 

Yes, she was very smart. Many members of the forums have not been as fortunate.

 

Not "or", but "and", still cheaper than an engine swap