The discharge warning light came on today. Changed the battery as the old one was 4.5 years old. The light is still on making me think the alternator is bad. However, the FSM states "troubleshoot the discharge warning light". I can't find the troubleshooting instructions. Anyone know where these instructions are???
Thanks for the many replies, Mud. Never found out how to test the warning light circuit, but did replace the alternator (about $240 with shipping and I get a core charge refund of $30 when I return) and all is well. thread complete
But for future reference all you need to do is put a multimeter on the battery while the engine is running. Should be 13 to 15 volts at idle. If it's less than 12 there is a problem most likely with the alternator. (as you discovered ) Naturally the dash guage will tell you the voltage, but this method rules out the possibility of faulty wiring in the car.
(Disclaimer: Anything said above is merely my world view. I am not a doctor/lawyer/mechanic/<insert profession here>, nor do I play one on TV. I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. I take the Hipocritic Oath very seriously.)
SpillmanCruiser
Never found out how to test the warning light circuit, but did replace the alternator (about $240 with shipping and I get a core charge refund of $30 when I return) and all is well. thread complete
) Naturally the dash guage will tell you the voltage, but this method rules out the possibility of faulty wiring in the car.
Linear Mode
