Battery Light Question
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,931
Likes: 3
From: Fort Lauderdale FL
Battery Light Question
When I was having transmission problems, my battery light came on. Since the weather hasnt really cleared up yet, I plan on taking the Vette to a transmission shop and have them inspect the transmission.
However my question is that I have a 3 year warranty on a battery in which I took back and replaced for a new one. I tried charging the battery at home but to no luck the voltage remained in the low 11's. With the new battery, the battery light still came on and the voltage reads 11.4 when it should be in the low 14's. What could be the issue of this? A bad alternator ? Thanks.
However my question is that I have a 3 year warranty on a battery in which I took back and replaced for a new one. I tried charging the battery at home but to no luck the voltage remained in the low 11's. With the new battery, the battery light still came on and the voltage reads 11.4 when it should be in the low 14's. What could be the issue of this? A bad alternator ? Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 32
From: The Top of Utah
Re: Battery Light Question (87vette)
Unless you have something unusual, like bare wires somewhere, that's about all it could be. The alternator isn't putting out, All you're reading is battery voltage, which gets lower as you use it, without recharging it. Most places will test it for free. Better not take it to where you bought the battery, they may want it back. Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
[Modified by CFI-EFI, 10:54 AM 2/12/2004]
RACE ON!!!
[Modified by CFI-EFI, 10:54 AM 2/12/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,182
Likes: 2
From: Almost all Skyline Cruises Vettes at Waterside 1-5
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Battery Light Question (87vette)
When I was having transmission problems, my battery light came on. Since the weather hasnt really cleared up yet, I plan on taking the Vette to a transmission shop and have them inspect the transmission.
However my question is that I have a 3 year warranty on a battery in which I took back and replaced for a new one. I tried charging the battery at home but to no luck the voltage remained in the low 11's. With the new battery, the battery light still came on and the voltage reads 11.4 when it should be in the low 14's. What could be the issue of this? A bad alternator ? Thanks.
However my question is that I have a 3 year warranty on a battery in which I took back and replaced for a new one. I tried charging the battery at home but to no luck the voltage remained in the low 11's. With the new battery, the battery light still came on and the voltage reads 11.4 when it should be in the low 14's. What could be the issue of this? A bad alternator ? Thanks.
If so, you likely have a bad alternator, or (less likely but still possible) a major short in the system.
Do all the usual things, clean and tighten battery terminals and check belt tension and then head for a place that can test your alternator!
You can take the Alt off the vehicle and have it "bench" tested. With readings that low and possible tranny problems, I would suggest the bench test
:seeya
:steering:
[Modified by jackdaroofer, 6:18 PM 2/12/2004]
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,931
Likes: 3
From: Fort Lauderdale FL
Re: Battery Light Question (jackdaroofer)
The alternator was my first guess..If it is the alternator then I guess I will be buying a chrome one from Mid America or somewhere along the line. Unless if I can find an old reciept and have it replaced at one of the auto stores I bought it from. Otherwise there aren't any bare wires or anything of the sort.
