Battery Light on

Just a very quick question. Suddenly the battery light on the dash is on but the gague says 12 volts steady. Can the alternator be gone and still have a 12 volt reading?

New to dealing with car repair so please help

Thanks

it's probably your battery going,not taking a charge. stop by advance auto and they will check it for free. should be around 14+ volts when motor is running.

Wow m8
A 12 volt reading IS BATTERY voltage only . With the truck running you should have 13.8 min to almost 16 volts depends on different systems.
So if you have a 12 volt reading you are on battery power only and that will not last long. Have the alternator checked and I bet it needs replaced.

This is an pure alternator problem.

Replace it immediately or you will be stranded very soon.

When the alternator gives out, it will rely on the battery to power the truck when running which will last for a short time and then become dead as a doornail.

I concur, had the same thing happen a few weeks ago. Needed new alternator