This is a great little SUV. I've been the only owner since I bought it Jan 2000. The only major problem I've had in 7 years is the dealer changed out the cam shafts in 2005. Now the battery light is coming on. Does anyone know what a battery light on the dash indicator could mean? I've looked on automotive forums and many have said to check the ground for the alternator or the alternator is going bad. I hope it's just the grounding. HELP!! I don't want to part with my Rodeo, it's great!
2007-05-02 02:09:16 · 8 answers · asked by Dawnie21 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Battery light comes on when your battery falls below normal charge. A normal 12v car battery should produce around 13-14v (I know it doesn't make sense!). Any time it falls to about 12 or under, that light should come on.
Two possible problems: 1) your battery is bad and is not accepting the charge. 2) your alternator is not producing enough charge. It could be the grounding wire to the alternator, but in my experience this is rarely the case.
If you have owned the car since it was new and haven't replaced a battery yet, that is almost certainly the cause. Either way, it is a pretty easy fix. Take it to Auto Zone and they will hook it up to a charging system analyzer for free. If it is a battery, it will cost you around $70 for a new one and you can put it in yourself.
If it is the alternator it will be more expensive- about $500 plus labor. It really only takes about half an hour to put it in if you have the tools and know what you are doing.
Batteries usually only last 2-3 years, and an alternator might make it 5 years. Along with the tires, these are probably the most replaced parts of any car.
2007-05-02 02:29:38 · answer #1 · answered by j c 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The battery light coming on simply indicates your car's battery is not getting enough charge coming in to make up for what it's giving out to run all the electrics.
The first thing I'd do is to check the tightness of the drive belt that delivers power to turn the alternator. If the belt is loose or even slipping, then the alternator won't spin fast enough when it's under demand (meaning when it has to supply current) and so you won't get enough charge from it to re-supply what your battery is using.
If the belt is okay then you look at the alternator itself like others have said. But always check the easiest thing first -- and in this case that means the belt. :)
2007-05-02 03:33:41 · answer #2 · answered by Lenky 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Isuzu Battery
2016-12-18 07:04:20 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally, the charging light comes on because the alternator is not charging at the proper voltage or amps...
Rather than wait until your suv quits out on the road, try taking it to an Auto Zone, ask them to check the alternator AND battery...one or the other may be going bad.
Also, you can look at your battery connections. If they have white, crusty corrosion, remove the connections and clean them and the battery posts nice and shiny, then reconnect snugly...that, by itself, may make the light go out, but if it doesn't, get those other checks done now...
2007-05-02 02:28:58 · answer #4 · answered by Michael B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, unplug the light bulb and replace the fuse. If it blows put the bulb back in. Second, look for cut/rubbing wires around the door switches. Third, check your hand book for other accessories that run on the same fuse. See if those things work and if the wires to them are shorting out any where. ADDED: The fuse obviously blew again because the door was open. I would say the door switch or wiring. Just for Sits & giggles close the driver door and replace the fuse via the passenger door side. If the fuse doesn't blow you can narrow it down to the drivers door.
2016-05-18 21:52:00 · answer #5 · answered by aaron 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the light indicates the battery isnt getting charged from the alternator get the alternator tested and get a new one dont buy from autozone checker shucks or pep boys as there waranty rate is high buy from carquest napa hendersons or where ever youre local shop buys and it wont be autozone
just wanted to coment on others answers a bad battery will never turn on the light my interstate battery in my car is 10 years old my dads interstate battery was 11.5 years old when i replaced it last year a bad diode in the alternator,, low volts,, high volts all will turn on the light normal charging voltage is 13.4 to 14.7 volts alternator cost $100 to $175 plus l;abor aprox $ 100 on that car
2007-05-02 02:50:12 · answer #6 · answered by mobile auto repair (mr fix it) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly its nothing to serious so you will not have to part with it....
Ok, you need to check the terminals on the battery, also check the battery....
Check the terminals on the alternator, and then check to make sure alternator is charging the battery...
I"m sure it will be one of those things I have mentioned, all you have to do is repair or replace, it will not cost to much either...good luck
2007-05-02 02:33:51 · answer #7 · answered by EZ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't say for sure, but if it is indeed the alternator, you don't have to worry about parting with your vehicle. Alternators are not that expensive. My husband has put them on vehicles of mine in the past at home.
2007-05-02 02:18:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋