the battery light just came on on my 99 cavalier. it still starts and runs fine. the battery is about 4 years old...do i a new one? am i in danger of getting stranded on the side of the road? im obviuosly no machanic but is there anything easy i can check? i really cant afford to take it in. any help would be greatly apprieciated...thanks
2006-06-28 13:23:28 · 11 answers · asked by GAguy 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You can bring the battery into a place like Sears or Autozone for them to test so you know if the battery is good or not. It could also be your alternator which isn't charging your battery properly. You really need to have it tested... because if the alternator doesn't work, your battery will get drained, and yes, you could get stranded.
2006-06-28 13:28:41 · answer #1 · answered by fireproof79 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Try checking to make sure the battery cables are not loose, and if that doesn't work you should just get a new battery. Dose not mean your alternator is out, but you can check the alternator by disconnecting the battery, if the car continues to run it is not your alternator.
2006-06-28 20:27:49 · answer #2 · answered by my_way_of_hiding 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your car still starts fine, it isn't your battery at all
chances are your alternator is shot..you'll need an ohmmeter and chaeck if your battery is reading over 12 volts when the car is running.... if it isnt your alternator is dead and needs to be replaced or fixed... and yes your car will leave you stranded.... it will run for a little while just on the batterys power but without being able to recharge the battery, you will end up stranded yet if it isn't fixed
if your car still starts fine, it isn't your battery at all
2006-06-28 20:28:03 · answer #3 · answered by jaysen_07 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as if your alternator is going out. Check battery voltage with the engine running, and not running, if the numbers are the same, or close, the alternator is going out. Note: you're looking for 12 to 13 volts engine off, and 13.5 to 14.5 volts with the engine running. Good Luck!
2006-06-28 20:30:37 · answer #4 · answered by lilviper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the terminals off the battery and clean them up. Make sure you are using lead or copper hardware for the bolts.
Gms have small side post terminals that dont work well when corroded. If that doesnt work, check the voltage running, should be 13-14.5 volts.
2006-06-28 20:28:28 · answer #5 · answered by ThisJustin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have an internal alternator problem, the light is probably on dim, this means the diode inside the alternator failed. Go to autozone and get a new one, and put it on. If you don't know how, ask a friend, it is a very easy job. GM TECH 22 YEARS!!!
2006-06-28 20:32:04 · answer #6 · answered by Belair Mike 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest that you take it to Auto-zone, Advance Auto Parts or Napa. All three offer free battery and alternator testing. That way you will know for sure whether to blame the battery, alternator, or something else.
2006-06-28 20:27:26 · answer #7 · answered by Dr. Answer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a new battery, or take it to a place like Autozone. they test it for free. But at 4 yrs old it is about time to get a new battery.
2006-06-28 20:28:07 · answer #8 · answered by Sean L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most pro ably your battery, the max. life on a battery is 4 years, i just had to change the battery on my Ford wind star because of the same problem but mine left me stranded.
2006-06-28 20:35:56 · answer #9 · answered by DeeDee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the alternator is out
2006-06-28 20:27:28 · answer #10 · answered by dl200558 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋