Re: Does battery lght go on when alternator is bad?

Alex Marcuzzi · 2004-10-19T02:26:08+00:00

Yes the battery light does come on, but to be really sure you should get yourself a meter (very inexpensive these days about $15 for a digital meter in an automotive shop) and do a little troubleshooting. First measure the voltage across the battery terminals and it should measure about 12.8 volts if it is charged. If the battery is fairly new and it is less then 12v then the problem could be your alternator not keeping it charged. If the battery has enough charge to start the car let the motor run and measure the voltage across the battery terminals again and the voltage should read about 13.5 volts. This tells you that the alternator is working. If it measures less then what you measured in standby then there is something wrong with the alternator. More then likely the regulator inside the alternator is gone. if the alternator is bad you will have to get it fixed or buy a rebuilt unit and replace it. Buy one with a lifetime warranty because Saturn alternators are prone to failure. I have changed mine twice already in five years. When you have found your problem you will have a good tool to help you in the future with any other electrical problems instead of playing the guessing game and buy parts for nothing.Alex

Oct 19, 2004 0 Replies

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Alex Marcuzzi 21 years ago

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Re: Does battery lght go on when alternator is bad?

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