75 ARC battery light blinking

max_75 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 05:18 AM

Hi all,

This morning, when I turn the key to "ON" (not starting engine), I notice the battery light on the ARC is blinking, but it still able to start. Then I started the engine and remove the negative terminal on the battery, the engine stall.

Is this an alternator failure or just some wiring problem? how to diagnose it?

Thanks ya.

AR4me · #2 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 07:25 AM

Not sure I understand correctly, however, if you turn the key to on, but do not start the engine then the alternator warning light will be on since the alternator obviously isn't charging - just like the oil pressure warning light stays on and starts blinking since there is no oil pressure. However, if the alternator light comes on when you are driving then you probably have an issue with the alternator.

To verify alternator simply put a voltmeter on the alternator - if you get 14.x V when engine is running, it is working.

Jes

max_75 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AR4me

but do not start the engine then the alternator warning light will be on since the alternator obviously isn't charging

AR4me · #4 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 09:31 AM

Not sure what you are asking... I'm saying: it is normal for the alternator light to be on if you turn the key to on but do _not_ start the engine.
Jes

**Gubi** · #5 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 09:44 AM

On my Milano the ARC battery light most definitely does not light when I turn the key to the ON position without starting the car. I don't think what you're seeing is normal behavior.

Perhaps a quick check of the wiring at the alternator and battery is in order...

AR4me · #6 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 09:51 AM

I could swear mine does, but maybe I don't remember correctly. Also, if I let the revs go really low (about to stall it) the alternator warning light will come one momentarily, and if I stall it and leave the key at on it will be lit. With any of the LED warning lights, after being lit for a while they will change status to blinking, I think.
Jes

**Gubi** · #7 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 10:12 AM

True on the low revs thing, mine behaves the same. But if you just turn the key to on it doesn't light up, at least not on my Milano. I'm certain of this as I did plenty of staring at the ARC panel with the car not running while I was testing my ARC light fix.

AR4me · #8 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 10:16 AM

You are probably correct. Afterall, you _are_ the wizard of the ARC

Jes

**Gubi** · #9 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 10:28 AM

Crap. Can I be the wizard of something that does not suck?

AR4me · #10 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 10:33 AM

Not sure if it is any consolation, but I always thought highly of the ARC

Pretty advanced for its time, no?
Jes

slyalfa · #11 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 11:39 AM

yea I think none of the lights come on before the first start that would go off after the start.
The battery light and the low oil PSI light in the dash do not come on when you turn the key. but if you start it and then stall it they will both come on.
so starting I get the low oil(all the time bad sender) the park break. the main break light will come on untill the ABS pump has hit some PSI mark then it goes off.

as for the best check is to check the voltage. at this age I bet the brushes are worn down.
if the voltage is low or the head lights dim and/or flicker I would say it is time to overhaul it. new brushes or a new regulator(comes with new brushes) is the most common fix. but it is also a good time to take it apart and clean it up and wash out the ball bearings and repack them with new grease.

max_75 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 12:56 AM

checked... no exception.. the alternator is dead..