Battery warning light is on and it stalls

MELISSASTONE

MEMBER
2000 CHRYSLER INTREPID
300,500 MILES

My battery light keeps coming on had my alternator checked it is new battery is new the car dies what could it be after you drive it the car dies if you leave it sit for a but and will then restart. But the light doesn't always come back on. They said it may be internal. If it is what do I need to fix it

Monday, August 29th, 2011 AT 3:31 PM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

So if I understand correctly, the battery warning light turns on intermittently, and the alternator has already been replaced. If that's right, you have to do any testing while the problem is occurring, (the light is on). The entire system can be diagnosed by measuring the voltages on the two small wires on the back of the alternator. You'll need an inexpensive digital voltmeter. Measure the voltages on each wire. Those MUST be taken while the engine is running. One will have full battery voltage on it, around 12.6 volts. The other one must have less but not 0 volts. 4 - 11 volts is typical. If you find 0 volts or exactly the same voltage as on the first wire, we can figure out where to test next.

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Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 AT 3:16 AM