Charge Battery Light now constantly on

[Andrew_Pakula]

I noticed yesterday while driving that my Charge Battery Light was on and is now constantly staying on while driving.<P>I haven't machine tested the battery but it seems to be working ok. I can start up the car no problems, the lights, alarm and my stereo will work fine. There doesn't seem to be a battery problem.<P>Could something else be causing this? Should I be concerned about this?

[tk1138]

I had this happen on an old CRX. It was the alternator. I had to get a new one for mine, but it could be something simpler. If you notice a drop in power, or headlight dimming, then it's time to charge up the battery and take it into the shop. You can take the battery to most automotive stores, and they'll charge it up for free, so you can get a few more days till it can be properly fixed.

[Andrew_Pakula]

Well there is a 3 year warrenty on the battery I have so I will get it tested first to see if there is any problem with the battery.<P>I hope its not the alternator.<P>But like I said, I haven't noticed any drain from the battery at all so it's a bit of a mystery.

[Guest]

hey man , hate to tell u it sounds like an alt. to me. a good way to check is if u have a volt meter start the car with the old battrie in it hook the volt meter to the battrie it should read about 13.5-14 volts(with the car running ) if its at 12 or less the alt. is not charging. the battrie should read 12 volts without the car running.<BR>hupe that helps, good luck man

[A.S.]

I have the exact problem. Its the alternator. You robably need to replace it, but just to mae sure, check the charge as mentioned earlier,alternator belt and the wires connected to it. If those look fine, You have to replace the alternator. Those things cost a fortune ~$350.00 can, but I got one for $90.00 from <A HREF="http://www.car-parts.com" TARGET=_blank>www.car-parts.com</A> and it looks good. They are used but come with a warranty and are tested. Or if you have the money, just get a re-built one for ~350$.

[Andrew_Pakula]

UPDATE:<P>When I left work the car still started up ok but by the time I got home everything started acting all weird so I knew it was probably the alternator that was screwed.<P>I managed to drive to my mechanic and the car battery just died as I stoped the car there.<P>He said the alternator would probably cost about $150 (can.) plus a bit of labour. Hopefully that is correct and not any more then that.<P>I'll find out tomorrow how much exactly, I hope it doesn't break the bank *fingers crossed*

[Andrew_Pakula]

Ok I got the alternator replaced and the car is working good again, costed $300(can) with labour and they also changed some belts for me.