2011 battery light on

[mikey531]

I am about 600 miles from home and when I was driving on the intertsate the battery light came on. I am in northern Maine where there are long stretches of nothing. I checked to make sure the belt was on and it runs fine. When I got to civilization I shut it off and it started and the light went out. Now I don't know if I should trust it or try and get to a dealer 70 miles away? Thanks for any insight.

[Mbriggs]

Any auto parts store or garage should be able to test the battery to see if you have a weak cell or other problem. No need to see a dealer for that. The other likely culprit is the alternator, which they also can most likely test. I would also make sure that the battery terminal connections are clean and tight.

[mikey531]

Well I now know the problem. I have to get my oil changed where I am told and when they change it they fill plastic jugs and fill with a funnel. Well it seems that when they fill they spill oil and it goes onto the commutator and shorts out the brushes. So after having to be towed to a dealer and $500 for an alternator and $100 tow guess we saved a lot by using that place !