BATTERY LIGHT ON DASH
Problem - Battery light on the dash flickers or is constantly lit.
Possibility 1 - Normally indicates that the alternator is on its way out. Sometimes it indicates that the battery needs replacing.
Test 1. Check the battery with a multimeter (DC) with car not running. Multimeter should read between 12.5 to 12.8 volts.
Test 2. Then to check the alternator, turn the car on and at idle, the multimeter should read between 13.8 to 14.8 volts. Turn on the head lights and airconditioner. The multimeter will drop in volts initially but should return to or be very close to your initial idle reading.
These two tests will determine whether the problem is the alternator or battery. If the tests are in the parameters outlined above, then the alternator and battery are working. If any of the tests above are different to the parameters, then the problem has been found.
Problem - Battery light on the dash flickers or is constantly lit.
Possibility 1 - Normally indicates that the alternator is on its way out. Sometimes it indicates that the battery needs replacing.
Test 1. Check the battery with a multimeter (DC) with car not running. Multimeter should read between 12.5 to 12.8 volts.
Test 2. Then to check the alternator, turn the car on and at idle, the multimeter should read between 13.8 to 14.8 volts. Turn on the head lights and airconditioner. The multimeter will drop in volts initially but should return to or be very close to your initial idle reading.
These two tests will determine whether the problem is the alternator or battery. If the tests are in the parameters outlined above, then the alternator and battery are working. If any of the tests above are different to the parameters, then the problem has been found.
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