Battery light

[seymore]

Hey guys, I have a little problem....My battery light wont go out and the battery dies over night. I did a search and didn't find what I was looking for.

Does this mean a short or what?

I went and bought a new Optima battery today thinking that was the problem and the light is still on. This just started a day ago.

Please help! Thanks

[tab tanner]

Check the alternator for voltage output it should be 13.7-14.3. You may have a diode out of it causing the drain and the battery light to stay on

[porschenut]

Battery light? If you mean the red alternator light in the dash, it should be on when you turn the key (engine off), but then turn off when the car starts.

The light's condition indicates the direction of current flow. When you turn the key to the on position, current flows from the battery thru the ignition switch, to the alternator light, then to the fuse panel.

When the car starts, a balancing current from the alternator to the alternator light causes it to go out.

So, if the light is on when the car is running, then your alternator isn't putting out a charge (or enough of one), which explains why the light stays on and your battery goes dead.

If this describes your issue, then I'd say you either need a new alternator or you have a dead voltage regulator.

[rwest]

Also, check your fan belt, if it has broken the alt. won't turn, and your car won't have air going across the engine.

Rutager

[James Brown]

That "battery light" is one of the most important lights on the dash, eather the ALT/VR is out or the fan belt is off/loose meaning the enging is cooking!! The car will start and run with the ALT not working, but only till the battery depleats. This should have been a clue. Same on every car ever made, well till the 2000s. Check that fan right away