My Battery Charge Light came on today. Is this just telling I need a new battery could this be an alternator problem?
Edit 4 pm pst, sorry for having to reply in edit original post, I'm using my sidekick and for some reason this is the only way to reply.
Thanks Greg and Ohlord,
Ohlord, u hit it right on the nose 100%. I took the car to kragen and had the battery tested, it was 100% output not prob, but the reader said the altinator was only putting out 12v and it should be putting out 14v. The reader also said there was no charging at all. I took it to an indi were there fixing now. I'm paying $400.00 for the new altinator and laybor so I don't know if that's good or not, but I had no choice. Luckuly it didn't die on me and had time to drive around and get quotes. Altinators where all being quoted about the same around town, $300 with core discount so I had my indi just rock on for $400 seeing as I didn't have time for a DIY. I hope this fixes the prob, but for the most part GOD BLESS, this is the second repair in 1 year of ownership. Both running about $400 each. The other was a new belt and pully. I will let ya'll know the status when I pick up car, they took my car last minute 3.5 hours total so it should be done in a half our. Thanks again, will update soon
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Last edited by slybydesignw210 : 10-05-2007 at 05:14 PM.
Reason: using my sidekick
Did you get the graphic of the battery in the display with the message to visit workshop?
If your battery is an unknown quantity, then I'd suggest replacing it, although you could take it and have it tested. If you have a Sam's club near you they have a proper replacement for less than $50 before tax. Take your tools, change the thing in their parking lot, take the old one back in for the core. On the other hand, if you've replaced it in the recent past, then it's more likely the voltage regulator than the alternator.
One suggestion, call your SA with your VIN, there was a recall on some regulators, so you might be lucky enough to be in that group.
Don't continue driving it, though, the voltage will drop and it will strand you.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
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the light goes on when the charging system is not putting out the correct voltage.Check your belt for tension,wear,slipping.Check alternator output.Should be in excess of 14 volts.If your battery failed you would not start the car,if it failed while you were driving the car would stop,the light is telling you your charging system is doing something it isn't supposed to do.Start with the belt and proceed from there.
ohlord
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Everything is fine now. One thing I notice right away which I should have known do to past cars is that the loud buzzing noise was the alternator going bad. Since its been changed the car is 80% quiter then before. I like that alot. It happened before with my Dodge Intrepid. This is something I should have notice before.
A surprising feature in the MB is if there is no charge our cars gives us a warning, where other cars just die. Thank GOD things worked out.
Battery Charge Light 
On the other hand, if you've replaced it in the recent past, then it's more likely the voltage regulator than the alternator.
Linear Mode
