Battery light is on?

Tiny
EVERGREEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
My battery light is on, but the car still runs. What does this mean?
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 7:55 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

The battery light usually indicates the battery is not being charged properly by the alternator as you are driving.
First test the alternator by monitoring the alternator out put to the battery. It should produce 13.6V to 15.2V as you are idling.

Here is a helpful video of a alternator test:

https://youtu.be/Z-p4dMJUpUw

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

If the output is low then you could have a bad alternator or the wiring from the alternator can be loose or corroded. Inspect the wiring and make sure it is secured and fee of corrosion. Be sure to clean the battery terminals if necessary.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

If the output is within the range then it is a faulty wiring to that warning light. The wiring needs to be checked for any short.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
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Friday, September 24th, 2021 AT 2:14 PM

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