Car battery light?

Question

My car's battery light has been flipping on and off for the past three to four months. It always comes on after I've been driving for a while in the extreme heat. The car runs fine; however, I would say maybe twice over the entire summer (I make at least four trips a day) once I put the car in park it shut down. It always started again and drives fine.

It's been in the shop last year for this same problem. No problems were found for me to spend so much money. That's why I'm hesitant about taking it in again, but don't wish to break down either. I don't mind spending money to fix a problem, but not to be told there is nothing wrong.

Any advice?If the battery really wasn't able to charge, wouldn't it be dead after three to four months by now?

Answer 1

the battery light comes on when the alternator isn't charging ,with it flickering on and off your battery is being charged,just not continuously like it should,when the light isn't light your battery is being charged as it should.as long as it only does the blinky thing occasionally i wouldn't worry,when that sucker is on all the time and is real bright you need to get her to the mechanic fast

Answer 2

Most likely the alt has an internal problem, but how ever I also have heard of wiring problems causing same type of problem you have described, had one at the shop. If it is coming on a lot after hot bring it to a repair shop you can trust only when problem is happening and have them test then. The one reason for bringing car in when problem is happening is that some times no matter how hard the mechanic tries, if the problem is not showing up when he gets the car, what are you going to fix, could be a crap shot by guessing repair and that just is not rite. Be on safe side just for general GP do battery load test also.

Answer 3

It could be one of two things, the first is electrical and should get attention. It could be a short that is causing the flashing, if that's the case, without fixing it, you run the risk of a fire. The second and most likely cause is that the battery is not getting enough charge. This can be due to a loose fan belt or a dodgy alternator. Check that the belt is tight, you should only have around one inch (25mm) of give. Anything more and the belt is too loose. If the belt is loose, tighten it. If the belt is OK, it will be the alternator and you will need to replace it.

Answer 4

Maybe the battery is barely holding a charge, becuse when you drive it, the alternator charges it back up.

I would make sure theres none of that white stuff caked on the battery terminals, which can just be scraped off.

If that doesn't help, get a new battery, their not that expensive. If you have the money, buy an Optima battery, that kind will last forever.

Answer 5

I would start off by taking your auto to a parts store that checks the battery and alternator for free. The symptoms sound like it could be a slipping belt, a battery that may be low on water, or an alternator that is just overheating. if your battery terminals are all white and "fuzzy" looking they may just need cleaned. A poor connection will cause the light on also. Hope this helps you. If the belt is slipping it could be caused by a bad automatic belt tensioner,possibly oil getting on it. If this is the case it will normally squeal when fist starting the engine.

Answer 6

It may not be the battery, it could be your alternator going bad, there are metal brushes inside that just touch the armature making current, as they wear, the brushes may not be touching all the time, just enough to charge your battery but when it goes below 12.5 volts the light will come on. Take it to autozone and they will do a check in the parking lot for you free, and put a load on the alternator with a machine and check your entire charging system in a few minutes.

Answer 7

The alternator is giving some borderline symptoms of wearing out.For your own confidence,I would recommend installing a new one along with a new belt and maybe a battery.

Answer 8

i does no longer be rather frightened merely yet! besides the shown fact that i could shop a watch on it! i could verify to work out if the belt is tight adequate (if no longer applying a "serpentine belt"), considering maximum "V" belts ought to be tensioned manually with modifications! If she replaced into driving in rain, in all threat belt slipped for a speedy time. additionally in specific circumstances brushes in alternator draw % up for some seconds (or minutes), yet in an prolonged time merely paintings advantageous - in specific circumstances for an extremely long term! you will have somebody verify charging gadget operation -- you will get this carried out loose a lot of places, -- merely observe that they sell factors and batterys. motor vehicle Zone, and Wal Mart are in many cases spoke of, yet a lot of places do it! merely undergo with a grain of salt, in the event that they start telling you you % a lot of issues ( they could be attempting to sell you issues you are able to desire to no longer %).. If this occurs, extra powerful to take it to a number of places, and notice if analysis fits! in spite of everything it quite is loose, - so which you in trouble-free terms waste the time,-- and not a lot funds! for my section i could merely watch and wait to work out if issue returns, because it quite is in specific circumstances annoying to inform something whilst evidently to be working precise!

Answer 9

go to advance and get free battery and alternator tesr....