|
|
Battery charge light stays on, but engine runs without a problem
|
|
|
| |
|
|
boonetrace
User
Aug 18, 2012, 4:13 PM
Post #1 of 8
(4876 views)
|
|
Battery charge light stays on, but engine runs without a problem
|
Sign In
|
|
I have a 95 Nissan Quest XE with 280k. Lots of things replaced recently. Present problem: yesterday when I started the car, the battery charge indicator light (I hope this is the correct name) came on (as norm), but then stayed lit. I stopped and started the engine 3 times, always the same, the light stayed lit. The weird thing was however, that the handbrake (parking brake) light also stayed on, although the brake was not engaged (it never happened before either). Since in the last 3 months I have been having problems with the speedometer dial, I thought that maybe the problem is only with the instrument panel, and not with the generator. Therefore I run the engine for 30 minutes (idle) today -sorry for the pollution it generated- and it ran smoothly. Therefore, I am thinking that the problem is indeed with the instrument panel and not with the generator, since in this latter case, the engine would have died after a few minutes I believe. Since I am not an expert, I would be grateful if you could let me know whether I am right or not in thinking this way. Also, if the car runs fine, is it recommended to have it checked out by an expert (mechanics)? Thanking you as always for your help.
|
|
| |
|
|
nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Aug 18, 2012, 7:12 PM
Post #2 of 8
(4824 views)
|
|
Re: Battery charge light stays on, but engine runs without a problem
|
Sign In
|
|
Put a multimeter on your battery terminals and tell me what the reading is. If its over 13.5 while running give the middle finger to the idiot light.
|
|
| |
|
|
Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 18, 2012, 7:34 PM
Post #3 of 8
(4820 views)
|
|
Re: Battery charge light stays on, but engine runs without a problem
|
Sign In
|
|
Checking charging system voltage is a good idea.
Easy way to see if there is a problem with the cluster or wiring is to unplug the alternator's electrical connector with the engine running. If the indicator light goes off with the alternator regulator unplugged, the alternator regulator is screwed up. If the light stays on, you either have a short to ground in the wiring between the alternator and instrument cluster or the cluster itself is the problem.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 18, 2012, 7:34 PM)
|
|
| |
|
|
boonetrace
User
Aug 18, 2012, 9:08 PM
Post #4 of 8
(4807 views)
|
|
Re: Battery charge light stays on, but engine runs without a problem
|
Sign In
|
|
Thank you (both of you) very much for the suggestions. I will do it in the next few days. I really appreciate your expert advice.
|
|
| |
|
|
boonetrace
User
Aug 18, 2012, 9:21 PM
Post #5 of 8
(4803 views)
|
|
Re: Battery charge light stays on, but engine runs without a problem
|
Sign In
|
|
I also have just thought of something. This problem started when I drove through a field with tall grass, a few hours after a big downpour. Could the wet grass touching some wires have played a role?
|
|
| |
|
|
nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Aug 20, 2012, 4:16 PM
Post #6 of 8
(4751 views)
|
|
Re: Battery charge light stays on, but engine runs without a problem
|
Sign In
|
|
doubt it would. The wires and connectors are sealed. You get worse than that when you drive in a rainstorm.
|
|
| |
|
|
boonetrace
User
Aug 20, 2012, 8:20 PM
Post #7 of 8
(4737 views)
|
|
Re: Battery charge light stays on, but engine runs without a problem
|
Sign In
|
|
Thank you! Since I do not have a volt-meter (it would be around $20 at Walmart), I talked to the mechanic who always worked on my car. He said that he will check the charging system for under $30. I'll take the car there this Friday, and will keep you updated. Thank you again.
|
|
| |
|
|
boonetrace
User
Aug 25, 2012, 4:17 PM
Post #8 of 8
(4696 views)
|
|
Re: Battery charge light stays on, but engine runs without a problem
|
Sign In
|
|
The mechanic checked the car on Friday. He said that the alternator was failing, was not sending the right voltage into the battery (I do not remember his exact words, sorry). Basically he replaced the alternator, and things look ok now. Thanking all of you again for your help. I really appreciate it!!!
|
|
| |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
mdma pills for sale : WhatsApp +33758633852
Drive Shaft Repair
2006 Toyoto Camry XLE Driver Side Electric Window Trouble
Grounding Cable, 2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk
equipment
