ff54976

I read a lot of threads about the battery light but no one has the same type of battery light problem. The car starts up with no problem every time. My battery is new, my belt is not broke. I get that the alternator next in line but if it wasnt working correctly why would the light go off after driving 5-10 minutes. Any help would be great thanks

lyleswk

Need to put a voltmeter on the battery terminals with and without the engine running. Voltage should be 12 to 13 with engine off and 13 to 14 with it off. That will tell you if it is the battery or the alternator.

ff54976

i did the voltmeter and everythings normal

dv21a4

It's not a battery light, it's a service charge light. And I wouldn't get to far from home. Its kind of deceiving but it turned out to be the alternator, the light shutting off just meant that the alternator caught a second wind and was able to charge the battery. But You can either change the battery and see if that helps I tried the battery first and it was still the alt.

lyleswk

Are you sure the belt is not slipping? Beyond that, I would say it is the voltage regulator that is built into the alternator which is why it is erratic now, but suspect it will eventually go completely out. The only way to test this for sure is to take it to an autozone or pep boys and have them tested. Then, don't go too cheap on the alternator...

ff54976

how could i check to see if the belt is slipping

lyleswk

Just visually. You will be easily able to see the belt speed slow down if it is slipping. btw, it is unlikely this is the issue, but is an easy check.

ff54976

i put on a new alternator and no light!!! Everyone one was right about it starting to go out. thanks everyone