1999 Saturn SL2 car is not keeping charged

Tiny
KARICASTILLO
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 SATURN SL2
  • 3.0L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 255 MILES
When I drive it the battery light comes on the check engine light came on and it was running high and I smelled something burning then I shut it off my husband put it on the charger for a min and it ran fine but the batter light was still on what could it be?
Thursday, January 22nd, 2015 AT 6:22 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
Have the charging system tested. You can start the diagnosis by measuring battery voltage with the engine running. It must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is low, suspect the generator.
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Thursday, January 22nd, 2015 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add to this one most likely its a bad alternator when the battery light comes on those cars. If you dont have the charging volts unplug the connector to the alternator key on engine off you should see battery voltage at that connector. Also there is a stud on the back of the alternator with a 10mm nut there should be battery voltage there also. If there isn't battery voltage at the stud you will have to replace the fuse able link and the alternator. These tests are only if the alternator isnt charging.
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Friday, January 23rd, 2015 AT 6:32 AM

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