Battery Light

[Ryehighguy]

Hello all, the battery light on my '04 GT with 85,500km has been coming on recently. The "symptoms" are usually if the car hasn't been driven for a while (few hours) the light will come on after startup but eventually turn off after about 10-mins of driving.
Also, if the light is on when the car is turned off, it will remain off after restart, as long as it's not too long a time from turn off (does that make sense??!)
I replaced the starter in the late winter, my guess is this might be a battery that's going?
Anyone else have this problem or have had problems with the car's electrical system - losing a starter and battery in about four years seems like a lot, no?

Thanks!

[Wild Weasel]

That's about the lifespan of a battery, so it's completely normal for it to be going now. They don't last forever. Around 4-5 years is about right.

[Flagrum_3]

I'll agree with WW that it may be the battery, although it's a bit early IMO...As for the starter that is quite early for them to go!!...But I would suggest before assuming something is gone, which could very well be, it would be prudent to check that all your connections are tight and clean before going off to the dealer or elsewhere, where they would be more then happy to 'sell you' new stuff. :)


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[sudz]

Sounds like the battery. Take it to a crappy tire and they'll check it (for free i think)

However, their test is super quick... I think it either spits out "dead" or "alive" as results :-P

If you have a volt meter, you should check the resting and charging voltage of the battery (car on/off)

I believe around 14 volts is acceptable during charging, and 12ish is good for when the car is off. (correct me if i'm wrong guys)

[Ryehighguy]

Thanks, I will take it in and get it looked at.
That is odd that you'd say the lifespan for the battery is 4-5 years. The one in my old Chrysler lasted 11 years before I traded it in!!

[mazda lover]

Thanks, I will take it in and get it looked at.
That is odd that you'd say the lifespan for the battery is 4-5 years. The one in my old Chrysler lasted 11 years before I traded it in!!

I don't think Mazda or any car maker are going to give us a premium battery that will last 6 or 7 or even 11 years so no surprise of a short life, its called saving money. After market batteries will last longer if you pay for it..

[Flagrum_3]

Thanks, I will take it in and get it looked at.
That is odd that you'd say the lifespan for the battery is 4-5 years. The one in my old Chrysler lasted 11 years before I traded it in!!

Its a misconception people have that batteries only last 4-5 years, honestly in all my years of owning vehicles I've only 'Once' had to buy a new battery and that was because the alternator failed!! I've had a couple of batteries last 10+ years!.Alot I believe has to do with common sense in how you use your vehicle and of course lucky that nothing else goes to help shorten the life of the battery.

The fact that your starter was gone is one possible reason your battery would be weak or gone as the starter may have put alot of strain on it, but also a good reason to check for tightness of connections i.e; connections to the starter and battery and ground connections (all for tightness and corrosion.)


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[Zoom Zoom Boy]

The battery light doesn't just come on as a measure of the battery strength. It will also come on if there is an issue with charging the battery, i.e. any of the electrical wiring becoming fouled and/or the alternator not working and charging the battery at full capacity. Hopefully, it is simply your battery.

[Ryehighguy]

Just to update everyone, it wasn't the battery... it was the alternator that was going (test at 12 amps when it should be 14amps)... I am now the proud owner of an after market alternator, but $600 lighter because of it...
I think my car's a lemon when it comes to electrical... starter and alternator gone in the past eight months!!

[S.F.W.]

Just to update everyone, it wasn't the battery... it was the alternator that was going (test at 12 amps when it should be 14amps)... I am now the proud owner of an after market alternator, but $600 lighter because of it...
I think my car's a lemon when it comes to electrical... starter and alternator gone in the past eight months!!

I had my alternator go as well, at about 80,000KM. Luckily it was covered by MAP.

[Flagrum_3]

Just to update everyone, it wasn't the battery... it was the alternator that was going (test at 12 amps when it should be 14amps)... I am now the proud owner of an after market alternator, but $600 lighter because of it...
I think my car's a lemon when it comes to electrical... starter and alternator gone in the past eight months!!

It's not a lemon, that's the way the system goes, everything is interconnected, meaning each component will effect the other to a certain degree!...Look at the bright side; now you just need a new battery and your Primary System will be brand spanking new! :)

Hey Ami, last couple of times I heard you start your car, your starter didn't sound too healthy either!! ...maybe you should have it checked out before it leaves you stranded.


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