Battery/Voltage Indicator Pondering

[MookaMobile]

Hi All.

I had mentioned to my husband my 99 Intrigue does not have a battery light on the dash cluster, or a voltage guage. He said it had to have one or the other, but he looked anyway and ALAS, no light or guage. This is the first car I ever had without a light or guage (GM models included).

If I let my imagination run away with me, and the fact GM admits the alternator is flawed, maybe this is not a coincidence? Then again, I am not really into conspiracy theory.

Seriously though.... Does the Service Vehicle Soon Light (which blankets everything not emissions related according to the manual) come on when the alternator fails? Or does the Service Engine Soon Light come on? Has anyone had an alternator/battery problem seen a warning light come on when the car 'dies' ?

Serious replies only please. I may be a woman, but I can learn how to work on my car. My last set of wheels was a 94 Lumina, 3.4 DOHC, but not the 2 door Z34 which made about 30HP less than the Sedan version of the car. Great car, not a motor for those without serious income though, but if you have the funds, WELL worth it.

[canatto]

Mine does have a charge warning lamp. It's located in the right most corner on the instrument cluster. It lights up at starting up for a bulb check then turns itself off when engine begins to run. As far as I know no Intrigues have a voltage gauga that tells actual battery voltage. You may have a burnt bulb, if GM didn't forget to put it in at all .

[Burnout524]

But there are plenty of other ways to tell that the alternator is dying. Usually, they just don't crap totally out overnight. Usually there is some sort of electoronic unnormality that will occur, i.e. the dreaded, 'headlight flicker,' or irate radio/HVAC/instrument panel function, etc.


But canatto is right, there is a light for the charging system (which the alternator is a part of). The owners manual states:

The charging system light will come on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON as a check to show you it’s working. Then it should go out.

If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the charging system. It could
indicate that you have a loose drive belt or another
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. Driving
while this light is on could drain your battery.

If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.

[illinoiswronski]

If you are really worried you can buy a volt meter that plugs in to your Cig lighter. Most auto parts stores have them.