my proton persona n reg (95) has the battery warning light on, sometimes flashing sometimes just a dull glow, depending on how fast i'm going. the fan belt seems ok. the alternator is good and the battery is new. whats happening? do i have to worry or will the car be ok?
2007-06-13 13:20:26 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The battery light on the dash indicates that there is a difference between the demand for electricity and the normal running current from the alternator. It should not really be coming on regularly and if as you say the straight of the light changes at speed then there is a problem with the charging circuit.
You say that you recently changed the battery, was it because the old battery was flat? If so then there may be again a problem with the charging circuit.
The alternator should have a "Diode Pack" on the back of the alternator, this is used to allow the power from the alternator to travel out from the alternator to the battery but prevents power from travelling back to the alternator from the battery. Over time one or more of the diodes can burn out resulting in the condition you currently have.
Things to do are:- First check the size of the new battery, make sure the rating of the battery is correct for the car. Some times people accidental fit higher capacity batteries to there car and this can overload the charging circuit. Secondly check all the connections from the battery to the alternator, make sure the connections are tight and free from rust or dirt.
Then with a multi meter check the output from the alternator to the battery, it should be above 12volts, if not then its time to replace the alternator.
2007-06-13 22:23:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The battery light indicates only one thing: Excessive power draw on the battery. This means that the car is drawing more power from the battery than the alternator is supplying.
Causes: (choose one, or combination)
- Broken alternator belt... NOT the fan belt.
- Old/weak alternator providing low return voltage.
- Voltage regulator is defective. Output of alternator is inconsistent with car needs. Many cars have this regulator built in to the alternator... others are separate.
- Corrosion in wiring harness, weak battery cables/ground. This is very possible for a 1995
- Short circuit is causing large power drain.
- Electrical mods such as large custom radio, or spiffy lighting are draining too much power.
Eventual outcome:
- poor running/ bad MPG
- Battery will drain completely. Car will not start, or car will eventually stall, and not want to start.
Fixes:
- If alternator belt is not missing/broken, have it checked for cracks, and slippage.
- Bad alternator/voltage regulator? Most mechanics can measure the voltage output of your alternator assembly and check for irregular/bad output. If irregular, have it replaced.
- Corrosion in battery wires? These are easily replaced, and cost little. With low power they are the first suspects in the wiring harness. Other faulty wires and short circuits are harder to diagnose.
- Large radio? you may need to switch to an HO alternator, or look into better relay, capacitor components/wiring.
These suggestions cover basic electrical problems... it is possible that another system, such as your A/C compressor or even a fuel pump is wearing out, and causing a power drain as it requires more energy to run. These problems will eventually get worse, and become easier to diagnose.
2007-06-13 13:52:48 · answer #2 · answered by stonedog_33 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well it depends. does the battery light come on more when you are idling? If this is the case, then it is likely your alternator is bad. What is happening is your alternator is working at very low efficiency. So when you go fast, it can charge the battery ok. But when you idle, it does not have the efficiency to run at low RPMS. It most likely your alternator.
2007-06-13 13:25:44 · answer #3 · answered by michael p 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1 or 2
1 the diode assembly in the alt. is
going out. It will still charge except at idle.
2 Check your connections, & make sure the alternator is grounded properly. Poor ground
connections burn up diodes
2007-06-13 13:34:26 · answer #4 · answered by ljoeguthrie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All the others have answered spot on however before you start spending put a volt meter across battery and measure voltage at tick over with everything electrical switched off.
should read at least 12.5V
rev engine up to 1500 rpm, reading should go up to 13.5V or more.(over 15V is over charging)
Go back to tick over and switch everything on.
Should now read 12V.
Hope this helps
Good luck
2007-06-14 10:35:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like a faulty alternator or a control box problem.You are advised to take it to a Auto Electricans shop,try Halfords.The problem will not improve.but it could be a simple fault.
2007-06-13 13:34:51 · answer #6 · answered by realdolby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am amazed !! you still have a running proton!!! ignore the light keep going the real problem will soon show up
2007-06-14 01:28:31 · answer #7 · answered by john 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's in training for the flashing season comin up,You into to that too?
2016-05-19 21:50:13 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
replace your alternator.
2007-06-13 15:56:49 · answer #9 · answered by shefixescars 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋