Battery Warning Light

[MaBrJa]

My '98 battey warning light on the dash came on yesterday after I'd been driving for about 45 minutes. Charging indicator showed approx. 10 Amps. Then I drove for about 30 more minutes. Gauge did not fluctuate. Battery and Cables are about 1 year old. Both seem to be in new condition. Owners manual indicates a charging problem. If it were an alternator I don't think I'd have made it that last 30 minutes.

[Rick Norwood]

Take it to Auto Zone or a mechanic and have the charging system checked it won't cost you a penny (at Auto Zone). Don't guess.

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by MaBrJa

My '98 battey warning light on the dash came on yesterday after I'd been driving for about 45 minutes. Charging indicator showed approx. 10 Amps. Then I drove for about 30 more minutes. Gauge did not fluctuate. Battery and Cables are about 1 year old. Both seem to be in new condition. Owners manual indicates a charging problem. If it were an alternator I don't think I'd have made it that last 30 minutes.

Your alternator is going and should be replaced. Alternators are really cheap if you look around different stores and they are easy to install for a big time savings on shop labor.

Also, I would not drive your truck with this condition. You are completely lucky that you did make it home and you have a very good battery that was keeping you going.

Replace the alternator, take the battery out of the truck and charge it.

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT just keep the battery in the engine compartment for the truck to charge. Your alternator is meant to keep the battery topped up and is never ever meant to charge a dead battery which is what your battery is close to.