Blinking battery light question

[steve84]

When I put my 1984 Carrera in storage for the winter, I took out the battery. I recently recharged the battery and put it back in the car today. The engine turned over right away and started up on the second crank after a pump on the gas pedal. I let the engine idle for a few minutes and it idled at a steady 800 rpm. Then the battery light started blinking intermittently and somewhat dimly. I turned the radio on and it worked fine. I turned off the engine and then was able to restart it right away, but the dimly, intermittent blinking of the battery light persisted. My question is: does this blinking indicate a future failure of the alternator?

Thanks,

Steve

[Joe Bob]

Ummmmm, e-brake warning?

[DRACO A5OG]

It is possible, but first, make sure you did not inadvertently fractured the the battery terminal connectors. Especially the positive side.

But first check for proper voltage readings with the car off and on

I was chasing a horrid charging issue, replacing everything, only to find my positive side terminal connector was fractured due to over tightening. It was a hair line fracture on the under side of the connector. I would have never found it until I was planning to change out the positive cable, which I was dreading.

Replaced with a new connector and soldered it for extra measure. No more issues.

BTW, pumping the gas does nothing for our 3.2's, fuel pump only works when car is on.

[Joe Bob]

Solid light is battery charging issues, flashing is usually brake stuff. I don't own a Carrera and my SC has 964 gauges.....so.....I be guessing. My Honduh shares warning lights.

VDO, low bidders on Porsche gauges since 1948......

You can eliminate the charging issue with a volt meter.

[steve84]

All

Thanks for the helpful info, which has given me a lot to think about. Earlier today, when I installed the battery and started it up, I was by myself at the storage unit. Because I was concerned about the car dying without anyone following me. On Wednesday night, my wife will take me back to the storage unit and following me while I take it for an extended drive. I'll let you know what happens.

I don't think that it's brake-related because I had all four pads replaced about 2 years ago, and have only put no more than 2,000 miles on it.

Thanks. Steve

[jspearin]

I know I am digging up an old thread here but was there ever any resolution to the original issue posted here? I’m having the same issue with a dimly blinking battery light. I’ve checked voltages at the battery with and without heavy electrical load and everything seems normal so not sure what to check next.

[Joe Bob]

Alternator output voltage.

[jspearin]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Alternator output voltage.

Is there a way to test this other than taking voltage readings at the battery? Everything reads normal at the battery.

[jspearin]

Update - A new (rebuilt) alternator ended up fixing this for me