Battery or Alternator?

[Jan Warner]

Today, on my way home my Battery light started to slowly glow on my '94ATX with 83K miles and it glowed brighter when the idle was lower at a light. I checked the battery and the green light (showing charge status) is still glowing green. Should I assume, therefore, that my alternator is going?

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

If you take your car to a palce like autozone, they will check the battery and the alternator for free on the car....thats what I would do, then you know for sure.

 

[masho95]

Today, on my way home my Battery light started to slowly glow on my '94ATX with 83K miles and it glowed brighter when the idle was lower at a light. I checked the battery and the green light (showing charge status) is still glowing green. Should I assume, therefore, that my alternator is going?

Most likely it's the alternator if the batt light came on while you were driving. Check the battery voltage with the car running, it should be about 14V.

 

[sdpatt]

The battery light indicates the battery was not being charged by the alternator during operation. The alternator (brushes most likely) is in need of replacement. You should check out the available remanufactured units as you can save large cash and also get a lifetime warranty. Since they are quite simple to replace, future replacements aren't something to fear.

 

[Xs SHO 1]

you should be reading at least 13V, with a voltmeter of course, at either the alternator or the battery when the car is idling....