☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: Charging system failure???????

asked by on April 18, 2016

About a month ago the battery light would come on periodically. Then it stopped so I let it go. Well on my way to work about thirty minutes away the battery light came on I could pull over and turn it off and restart it the battery light would be off . Just driving a few miles around town it never came on. Well another time on way to work the light came on and even when I stopped the car and turned the engine off when turned it back on the battery light was still on I made it almost home and it died and wouldn't restart. Went back cpl hours later and it started we didn't jump-start it. We bought a new battery about a month ago. the alternator changed about eight months ago. Everything seems tight the belts not loose but what is considered too loose anyway? I don't really know. Anways I just spent four hundred at a mechanic changing wheel bearings so I can't afford another mechanic what can I check ?

My car has 137863 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Recommended Services

Battery will not hold a charge Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

It depends on the tools you have. If you have a voltmeter, then you can check the voltage at the battery posts when the engine is running. When you do this, make sure that you turn on the normal accessories that you like to run, such as the A/C, stereo, lights, and so on.

The the voltage should be close to or above 13 volts. If the voltage is below 12.5 then you may have a problem with the charging system and would need to have the system checked by a mechanic who would have the special tools to conduct an in-depth inspection of the alternator, computer, and battery.

Also the battery sensor could be malfunctioning and should be looked at. If your car is dying from a low charge then you may need to have it replaced. If it is the alternator or battery then you may have a parts warranty that may cover the replacement or the parts but not the labor.

Chrysler
2005
L4-2.4L
PT Cruiser
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I clean the rearview mirror?
The rearview mirror can be easily damaged. Never use glass cleaner on the mirror, and do not spray a cleaning solution directly on the mirror. Instead, dampen a very soft towel with water, and lightly clean the mirror with that....
Read more
Ignition switch not turning
Hello! I suspect that the key tumbler is seized or broken. Some key tumblers seize up due to lack of lubrication and debris in the cylinder. Usually a little WD-40 will free the tumbler if it is seized. If lubrication...
Read more
My mechanic is saying the timing chain is bad (causing oil leaks). Does a timing chain cause oil leaks? What are your thoughts?
Hi, thanks for writing in. Timing change themselves cannot cause an oil leak but the timing chain cover can cause an oil leak. In order to replace the timing cover gasket, you will have to remove the serpentine belt and...
Read more
My car trembles or idles hard when I'm at a temporary stop. It feels like the car wants to move before I'm ready.
This problem may be related to a dirty or faulty idle air control valve. This valve is a unit that reads the air intake as it is mixed with fuel, prior to being injected into the motor. The computer then...
Read more
front brake jamming
If the front brakes are locking it will be one of three possible problems. It can be caused by the master cylinder internal residual check valve stuck causing a higher than normal pressure to stay on the brake system. If...
Read more
How do I stop the transmission from leaking brake fluid in a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
Hi there. First off, the transmission and brake system are separate and utilize different oils. If you're leaking oil from the slave master cylinder (which is a clutch component), it's transmission fluid that might be leaking. If you've been told...
Read more
BMW shakes a little at lower speeds and rpms
Hello, thank you for writing in. Shaking can come from a variety of components. Unfortunately in a situation like this, you will have to take it one step at a time if nothing is found to be physically damaged upon...
Read more
Replaced alternator, now aftermarket radio will not turn on.
It sounds like you may some faulty wiring (to speakers or head unit), a bad fuse or a short somewhere in the circuit related to the stereo. Particularly, if the alternator was replaced as a result of the system being...
Read more
Oil Change issues
Hello, thank you for writing in. Your issue is likely something small and silly that you are overlooking. Often the oil filter seal sticks to the engine rather than the old oil filter when you take it off. If this...
Read more

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chrysler 200
In In 2011, Chrysler completely overhauled, updated, and remodeled their entire line, including the introduction of the new Chrysler 200. This reimagining of the old, boring Dodge Sebring sedan was already an exciting move for Chrysler, and the 2012 Chrysler...
Read more
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chrysler 300
The The Chrysler 300 is a large luxury sedan that looks great, handles well, and has more power than many realize. Chrysler was once one of the biggest automakers in the world, and with this vehicle, they showed that they...
Read more
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Rock Climber
If If you’re a rock climber, you want a vehicle that gets you where you need to go, even if the terrain gets rough. You may be living out of your vehicle at times, so you also want a rig...
Read more

Browse other content

Maintenance
Cities
Estimates
Services