Battery light

Tiny
ERIC CORDOVA
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 PLYMOUTH BREEZE
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 197,000 MILES
About a week ago I was getting ready for work when I started the car to get it warming up before leaving. About ten minutes later as I was walking out the door I noticed the car was off and would not start or do anything. Jumped battery and started right up with battery light on. Later that day after leaving work the battery light was off. About a week later I was idling on the side of the road waiting for my sons bus to come in the morning and the radio went out, the lights dimmed and the wipers started going slow. Turned the car off and after the bus came it started and drove fine but with the battery light on again. Went to the O'reilly's and they tested the alternator and out of three tests it passed twice and once it failed on output. They also tested the battery and it passed but said "low charge" Going to clean connections this weekend but looking for other ideas in case that does not help.
Wednesday, March 13th, 2019 AT 12:38 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

You need an alternator. If it failed, it is bad.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

The battery needs to be charged and load tested to be sure it is good.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Roy
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Wednesday, March 13th, 2019 AT 1:11 PM
Tiny
ERIC CORDOVA
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Out of three tests it only failed on output once. Is it that it's starting to go? And if so how fast will it go?
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Wednesday, March 13th, 2019 AT 1:16 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The fact that it failed means it is no good and has to be replaced. That explains why it works at times and other times it does not.

It will leave you stranded if you delay repairing it.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 13th, 2019 AT 1:19 PM
Tiny
ERIC CORDOVA
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks Roy, that's what I was thinking too. I just wanted to get someone who knew a little more than me about car's opinion. I know enough to replace things but not enough about the parts themselves. Haha
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Wednesday, March 13th, 2019 AT 1:20 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 13th, 2019 AT 1:37 PM

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