PROBLEM:
With motor running, Battery light/symbol on dash comes on in about 3 seconds and will not go out until motor is cut off. On the way home last night, the volt meter suddenly started reading 17 volts, whether or not headlights were on. I cut off the headlights the last few blocks and drove it home. My battery was dead this morning when I went out and tried to start the car. The battery would only take a charge at it's highest setting:"surge".

Tests I have done so far:
1. Engine starts up and Volt meter almost immediately reads 17 volts, and battery light is on, so............

2. I disconnect the meter ground, and volt meter goes to zero, but battery light stays on with motor running.

3. I unplug the wires/plug on back of alternator, but batt light stays on with motor running.

4. My battery was dead this morning when I went out and tried to start the car.

5. I am charging my spare battery, it has 4 settings: Finished/taper/high/surge.
It has been charging at high for over an hour.

6. With the charger off, I start the car, battery light comes on within 3 seconds.
I reconnect the volt meter ground, it reads 17 volts. Battery light goes off when car is cut off.

WHAT is keeping the battery light on? Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.

 

uh. the fact that its 17 volts.

Car systems are 12 volts, not 17. So, its telling you that you are over charging.

 

battery light = alternator

alternator overcharging the battery mayhaps?

 

Alternator....