hybridb18

My Battery light starts to come on when im sitting at idle, usually when the head lights are on, or i have some kind of draw on the electrical system (AC, Fan running ect). The battery light doesnt come on fully bright, just kinda dim, and only when sitting at idle.
The second i stick my foot on the gas pedal, the Batt light goes out.

I checked the voltage at the battery with the headlights on, car running warmed up at idle, and it measured 13.55 volts(Batt light Dim but on). I then turned the headlights off and it measured 14.10 volts(Batt light off). Not much difference.

Ive been driving like this for 6 months, no problems. cant seem to pinpoint this one, seems like the ALT is working properly. I cranked up the idle a bit with the idle screw on the TB, but the problem still exists. Im starting to think this is something to do with the ELD. Ive checked all the grounds, they all seem good and clean. Battery is 2 yrs old. No Check Engine Light, car is BONE stock, everything.....

Any Suggestions??

hybridb18

Just added a ground on the valve cover, also checked the fluid in the battery. sanded down the ground connections. Didnt help...... Checked voltage @ battery-ground & @ Alternator-Ground. Same voltage at both 12.67 volts(engine not running).

ummmm, what else could i check?

Former User

Sounds to me like the alternator is beginning to fail.

hybridb18

Thats what i was thinking, but i've been driving the car 6 months with this problem. I've never seen an alternator take that long to die....... Starts right up every day!

Former User

The charge light turns on when alternator output voltage drops below battery voltage. A dim charge light indicates that voltage output by the alternator is just below battery voltage. You should replace the alternator before it leaves you stranded and also kills the battery.

hybridb18

Yeah, thats what im worried about. Its startin to get cold out.... dont want to get stranded. Was just lookin for some simple things to try before i start spending money, maybe a bad ground ect... I think im gonna try to run a new wire from the Alt to the Battery. I know i have some 8gauge and 4gauge layin around, ill try that n see what happens. If that doesnt help, ill get a new Alternator.