The car has 190,000+ miles on it and I have noticed lately the car is making a loud belt or grinding noise upon start up but goes away after you start to drive it. I recently had both the serpentine belt and power steering belt replaced. I also was getting the check engine light on too before the charging system light came on. I knew it was time to change the battery after a few non start this winter so I had that changed. I had already done both cats so I thought the Check Engine Light may be related to the battery. Once I replaced the battery, the Check engine light went off, but still have gotten the charging system light randomly when driving.

I tested the voltage on the battery when off and it is at 12.6 volts and when running it is at 13.6 volts, so seems to be charging. I just got my new voltmeter, so waiting for the battery charging system light to go on again and then I can test it again, hopefully it doesn't come back on though.

In the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions on the issue. Could the loud noise and intermittent battery charging system light be from the alternator going bad? I have not had to replace the alternator yet. Would a mechanics code reader be able to pinpoint if it is the alternator or a bad ground, etc??????

 

check the voltage when that bettery light is on U will see a different reading then i bet =)

 

Thanks... I have it in the car on the ready now.... I am guessing it is time for a new alternator, just wanted to make sure...

 

ok, so charging light came back on....and I was ready with the voltmeter this time.... checked the battery with it running and light on and it was at 13.6 Volts..... Turned the car off and back on and the light goes off...

I ordered a new alternator and plan on replacing it..... but could there be another reason for the charging system light to come on? The car runs fine, the same, with the light on or off...

just wondering...thanks for the help

 

Why are we guessing about lights coming on? Get a code reader on there and find out why the light is on.

 

Ok, will do.... I didn't know if a code reader would pinpoint exactly why the light was coming on....

Thanks for the help

 

It depends on the code reader. The best chance of getting the right answer will be with the DRB-III reader. Chrysler dealers have them and some high quality independent garages may also have one. They are quite expensive so you won't find them everywhere.
Charging of the battery is controlled through the engine computer, so the battery light is turned on by the computer. Its reason for doing so should be stored in there.

 

thanks again... I will post on here the outcome of the code reader... i should have it in the shop by this weekend....

 

It was the alternator... $100 for a new one from Rock Auto and $60 installed. 191+k miles and good as new..... well leaks a little oil but what 2.7 doesn't....lol sure beats a car payment though.