Blinking Battery Light :: Causes?

[AmBo]

Hey, i posted about this some while ago but the thread got lost. Here is my dilemma:

My battery light likes to scare the piss out of me whenever it feels like it. No pattern at all, just comes on when it wants. I can't find a pattern! BUT I think it happens most when it rains or there is heavy moisture in the air?

I'm not draining much power from my alternator (800w kenwood amp and 12" kicker comp-v) but I want to blame the alternator. I have been noticing a lower idle as well but I want to blame something else for that.

What could cause this random "BLINKING" battery light? What should I check? Should I just bring this to the dealership? (GASP!)

 

[Indiana]

Make sure your battery cable connections are clean, as well as the connection to the alternator. You can buy a little battery terminal scrubber at the autparts store for a couple of bucks.

If you have a voltmeter, make sure your battery is around 13.4 + or - a little with the car off.

It should read 13.8 to 14.6 with the car running.

If you don't have a meter you can have the autoparts store check it for you when you go to get the terminal scrubber.

 

[COramprat]

Make sure your battery cable connections are clean, as well as the connection to the alternator. You can buy a little battery terminal scrubber at the autparts store for a couple of bucks.

If you have a voltmeter, make sure your battery is around 13.4 + or - a little with the car off.

It should read 13.8 to 14.6 with the car running.

If you don't have a meter you can have the autoparts store check it for you when you go to get the terminal scrubber.

Most parts stores can check battery voltage and alternator still in the car. It does sound like you are having charging problems but I'd try cleaning everything first as Indy suggested.

 

[AmBo]

Ok, so clean the terminals on the battery with a terminal scrubber from pepboys? I will do this and see if the problem persists. Thx!

 

[Indiana]

Make sure to have them check the batt and alternator while you're there.

 

[AmBo]

Oh, they can just run out and test it? Good deal. Watch em charge me $120 for the check. :-X

 

[Indiana]

Should take about 5 minutes and should be free.

 

[twogts4us]

My 02 had the same exact problem you described..even the part about seeming to be a bit worse when wet or humid. Took it to Ford and on the first trip they replaced the batt...when it still was blinking, on the second trip to the service bay, they replaced the alt - problem solved...hasn't blinked in 5 months.
Likely it's your alt...