Battery Light

Asked by Anthony Jun 25, 2018 at 05:53 PM about the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Driving to work, battery light comes on and radio (not
factory) goes off and on resetting each time. Almost to
work lose all gauges and power car dies. Jump car drive
less than 1/2 mile dead again. Replace battery starts up
fine drive 4 miles battery light comes on and radio does
the same thing. Make it home 18 miles ok car restarts, idle
battery light goes off and on, radio same way. Help!!!

5 Answers

100

Are you guys serious?... battery light comes on when a low voltage (or high voltage sometimes) condition exists. Sometimes it's just the battery. Most batteries have a 3 to 5 yr life depending on how and when you drive and your charging system health. But most of the time it's because the alternator is going out. Lower limit on avg alternators is about 13.2 volts DC. And upper is about 15.0. Avg healthy alternator should put out about 13.9 to 14.2 vdc. To get this info, use a volt meter (10.00 for a somewhat decent one at any tool outlet) and measure the output voltage across the battery terminals OR from the battery connection on the alternator to any ground. Or...you can simply charge the battery, run the car to your local APart store and let them test it. If you are unfamiliar with this basic test or what the info means... then take it to the shop and pay 100.00 (or more) to let some wrench monkey do it. Now... on rare occasion this test is not conclusive. But if you dont know how an output test works, I will certainly not explain how a pcm field test goes. Good luck in your, hopefully, new found knowledge.

7 people found this helpful.
10

I just bought a 2009 Malibu lt FWD. it had a weak alternator so I replaced the battery and the alternator, two days later my belt snapped so I had it replaced. The bearings in my alternator have been going out ever since my battery light came on as I was driving around but still starts. I’m mechanically inclined and I know what the battery light means check your alternator for any unusual sounds, if you have a volt meter on hand use it the average is 13 to 14 for a Malibu if your alternator is well replace your battery you might have shot a cell

1 people found this helpful.

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