Battery Light
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Joined: Nov 2005
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Battery Light
As of this morning my battery light is on and my alternator is showing a charge but is it at the low end of the spectrum. I have cleaned all of the terminals and broke most of the bolts loose on the alternator and sprayed with contact cleaner and retightened. I also took the plug loose and sprayed with contact cleaner. The truck runs fine with the battery light on. The current battery is 4-1/2 years old. I looked in the battery and there is plenty of fluid and the grates are covered with water, although there is some corrosion on the grates. This has happened on one other occassion but the above mentioned cleaning has corrected the problem. What other items should I look for instead having the battery tested. Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,473
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From: Lafayette, IN
What does a voltmeter say across the terminals of the battery, both with engine off, and engine running? With the engine off, it should read 12.0-12.5V. Less means an undercharged and possibly bad battery. With the engine running, the voltmeter should read 13.5-14.5V. Less means that you're not charging the battery, and that part/all of your alternator is hosed if all connections are good. You can get an adequate voltmeter for under $10 at Sears or RadioShack.
Jason
Jason
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