Warning lights stay on after battery replaced - 94 SL2

Discussion in 'Saturn S-series' started by w.gary.strand, Mar 21, 2007.

  1. I have a 1994 SL2 and just replaced the battery - only the 3rd one
    I've had in the car.

    However, the battery and "auto-lock" lights in the dash are on all the
    time. Is there some easy way to reset the diagnostics system to get
    rid of them? Or do I have a more serious electrical problem?

    TIA.
     
    w.gary.strand, Mar 21, 2007
    #1
  2. w.gary.strand

    James1549 Guest

    Is the alternator properly charging? Using a volt meter, check the
    voltage at the battery while the car is running. Voltage should be
    13.8 -14.0 with a known good, charged battery.

    James
     
    James1549, Mar 21, 2007
    #2
  3. w.gary.strand

    Steve B. Guest

    The battery light does not mean the battery is bad, it means the
    charging circuit is not working properly. It is common for the
    alternator to fail and no longer be able to charge the battery but it
    could be a host of other things as well. Don't drive the car much
    with the light on... the battery is going to go dead and the car is
    going to stop when that happens.

    Many parts stores are able to test the charging system for you at no
    charge and let you know what is going on. If there is one close to
    you then consider going and letting them see if the alternator is
    working.

    Steve B.
     
    Steve B., Mar 21, 2007
    #3
  4. I got an 11.0 from a cold battery - which implies that the charging
    system either isn't working right, or I got something of a dud battery
    from Costco.

    Thanks.
     
    w.gary.strand, Mar 21, 2007
    #4
  5. w.gary.strand

    G-Man Guest

    I think it's probably the alternator - coming to work, the car started
    making this clock-like sound coming from the area near the base of the
    steering column (very regular, like a watch ticking, but only in gear,
    I think) and also, when I turned the car off, a rapid grr-grr-grr
    sound from what sounded like the passive seatbelt motor. Wonderful.
     
    G-Man, Mar 21, 2007
    #5
  6. w.gary.strand

    Steve B. Guest

    What did u expect it to do? You are driving the car with a known
    charging problem. The battery will go dead. The electronics will do
    nutty things when they don't have the power they need to operate.

    Steve B.
     
    Steve B., Mar 22, 2007
    #6
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.