Battery light came on today

[CarolAnn]

I have a 98 GT; this morning she started up fine, but I noticed the battery light was on. It stayed on the whole way to work. The battery voltage guage was in the normal range (somewhere around the "O" in normal). No problems starting when I left work around 1:00, but the light stayed on.

When I got home, I hooked up my b/f's battery charger. After half an hour on the charger, she's still drawing 8 amps.

What's your diagnosis? Your input is much appreciated!

 

[btolenti]

Bad Alternator.

 

[40th GT]

I would check the cable that connects the battery and the alternator. The cable came loose on me a couple months ago and the same thing happend to me.

 

[jstreet0204]

Same thing happened to me about a week ago. $175 for a new alternator.

 

[40th GT]

What would cause an alternator to fail? This can't be a normal wear/tear item...

 

[btolenti]

What would cause an alternator to fail? This can't be a normal wear/tear item...

Of course it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any part that spins or moves is a normal wear and tear item. Many things can go out on an alternator....bearings, voltage regulator, and most of all the brushes in the unit.

 

[CarolAnn]

Woohoo! B/F removed alternator, cleaned using a zero-residue cleaner, replaced it--it's pumping out juice again! No battery light, and I didn't have to plunk down any $$.

Now I just have to find a replacement for the cleaner he used up. Seems the stuff isn't sold anymore (not environmentally friendly enough).

*CarolAnn does the happy dance*

 

[COramprat]

To be sure you can take it to a parts place and have them check to be sure. They can test it right in the car. May have just solved the problem for now by cleaning the terminals.