i was driving home then 20 minutes into the drive, the battery light comes on. when this happened, my headlights got brighter, so did my radio light. But as I slowed down, the battery light went away and the head light went back to normal. what does that mean? will i need to replace my battery? what else could be wrong?
thanks!
2007-01-10 15:20:44 · 8 answers · asked by sws 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
This is an overcharging problem with the alternator. Have it checked and fixed immediately before other sensitive systems blow.
2007-01-10 15:26:13 · answer #1 · answered by Lab 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the battery voltage with the engine running. It should read between 14.5 - 14.8 volts. Ask someone to rev. the engine to 2000 rpm. Check it again with the motor at this R.P.M. for thirty seconds. See if there is any change. Have your helper lift quickly off the accelerator. Note the change. If everything is within spec. The voltage regulator and alternator are working fine. Turn off the engine and take a battery voltage check. It should read 12 - 12.5 volts. Walk away from it for at least 8 hrs. Check battery voltage again. It should read at least 11.8 - 12volts. Note: Anything under 11 volts the battery has to go. You didn't give the year of your truck or if the original battery had ever been changed. usually 6-7 yrs. is all you'll get from a battery. If it's the least bit suspect have a service person do a load test on the battery if the battery is bad the voltage will crash within 20 seconds. I'm betting if your battery is OK. The voltage regulator is acting up or a diode is starting to dust out in the alternator. Good Luck
2007-01-10 15:52:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your voltage regulator is on the fritz. Unfortunately, on most modern cars, the voltage regulator has been moved to inside the alternator, making the repair more expensive. FIRST, CLEAN THE BATTERY TERMINALS! And then clean the connections on the alternator. If the problem doesn't go away, go to Pep Boys or Auto Zone and have them run a diagnostic--it's FREE. And do it SOON! or you will be replacing you battery too, when you wouldn't have had to if you had attended to it right away. Best of luck.
2007-01-10 15:24:57 · answer #3 · answered by Dorothy and Toto 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your alternator. It has a voltage regulating function that keeps it from trying to send too much current into your battery for recharging. Sounds like that function may bo on the fritz and you are seeing a voltage surge once in a while. Get it checked because it could seriously damage your battery!
2007-01-10 15:27:27 · answer #4 · answered by adamsrm2004 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually meand your alternator cannot charge the battery sufficiantly. You must check the alternator first an then the battery. If the alternator needs replacing, usually its the bushes, and you change the battery it will stuff your battery up again!
2007-01-10 15:29:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be your battery, it also could be your alternator. I believe they'll test your battery for free at autozone. If your car keeps dying & doesn't hold a charge--it's probably your alternator. Have the headlights been dimming at all?
2007-01-10 15:25:39 · answer #6 · answered by Blanketyblank 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like your ALT is overcharging like in some of the other answers take it to auto zone and have it tested had this problem in a 91 GMC and it took out the computer and battery
2007-01-10 15:38:53 · answer #7 · answered by grey_wolf54486 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like maybe your alternater belt may have broke just look under the hood to make shure its still there
2007-01-10 15:27:56 · answer #8 · answered by Emilio N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋