When the light comes on, stop driving. It could be the alternator burned out, but it could also be that the belt broke or came loose. So you risk not only ruining the battery, but also overheating and ruining the engine.
First check the belts and batter terminals.
Loose or corroded terminals will also make the light come on.
Now that you have allowed the battery to discharge, you need to put it on a charger and bring it back up to full charge.
If you try to avoid this by jump starting the car, most likely you will ruin the alternator even if it was not already bad, because a bad battery will take more than a normal alternator can safely put out.
Then put a voltmeter across the battery.
It should read 12.5 volts.
When you crank it there should be a drop to about 10.
Then when you rev the engine, it must go over 14.
If not, the charging system is not working and if there is no loose wire or engine ground connection, you will have to try replacing the alternator.
New battery, new alternator, new starter, my 2009 Saturn outlook still not starting.
I know this post is old, but what ended up fixing your issue?
These people have no clue , the charging system on your vehicle is computer controlled ,could be any number of thing's . What fixed this other persons vehicle may not be same thing that fixes your vehicle .Rather then replacing parts like this other person did , battery , alternator , starter etc... do youself a favor an take your vehicle to a qualified repair shop.
Is the battery light lit in the instrument cluster ? If so ,DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes are stored .This is system Description and Operation
Electrical Power Management (EPM) Overview
The electrical power management (EPM) system is designed to monitor and control the charging system and send diagnostic messages to alert the driver of possible problems with the battery and generator. This EPM system primarily utilizes existing on-board computer capability to maximize the effectiveness of the generator, to manage the load, improve battery state-of-charge and life, and minimize the system's impact on fuel economy. The EPM system performs 3 functions:
• It monitors the battery voltage and estimates the battery condition.
• It takes corrective actions by boosting idle speeds, and adjusting the regulated voltage.
• It performs diagnostics and driver notification.
The battery condition is estimated during ignition-off and during ignition-on. During ignition-off the state-of-charge (SOC) of the battery is determined by measuring the open-circuit voltage. The SOC is a function of the acid concentration and the internal resistance of the battery, and is estimated by reading the battery open circuit voltage when the battery has been at rest for several hours.
The SOC can be used as a diagnostic tool to tell the customer or the dealer the condition of the battery. Throughout ignition-on, the algorithm continuously estimates SOC based on adjusted net amp hours, battery capacity, initial SOC, and temperature.
While running, the battery degree of discharge is primarily determined by a battery current sensor, which is integrated to obtain net amp hours.
In addition, the EPM function is designed to perform regulated voltage control (RVC) to improve battery SOC, battery life, and fuel economy. This is accomplished by using knowledge of the battery SOC and temperature to set the charging voltage to an optimum battery voltage level for recharging without detriment to battery life.
The Charging System Description and Operation is divided into 3 sections. The first section describes the charging system components and their integration into the EPM. The second section describes charging system operation. The third section describes the instrument panel cluster (IPC) operation of the charge indicator, driver information center (DIC) messages, and voltmeter operation.
Body Control Module (BCM)
The body control module (BCM) is a GMLAN device. It communicates with the engine control module (ECM) and the instrument panel cluster (IPC) for electrical power management (EPM) operation. The BCM determines the output of the generator and sends the information to the ECM for control of the generator field control circuit. It monitors the generator field duty cycle signal circuit information sent from the ECM for control of the generator. It monitors a battery current sensor, the battery positive voltage circuit, and estimated battery temperature to determine battery state of charge (SOC). The BCM performs idle boost.
Battery Current Sensor
The battery current sensor is attached to the positive battery cable, and is not serviceable. If the current sensor requires replacement the positive battery cable must be replaced. The battery current sensor is a 3-wire hall effect current sensor. The battery current sensor monitors the battery current. It directly inputs to the BCM. It creates a 5-volt pulse width modulation (PWM) signal of 128 Hz with a duty cycle of 0-100 percent. Normal duty cycle is between 5-95 percent. Between 0-5 percent and 95-100 percent are for diagnostic purposes.
Engine Control Module (ECM)
The ECM directly controls the generator field control circuit input to the generator. The ECM receives control decisions based on messages from the BCM. It monitors the generators generator field duty cycle signal circuit and sends the information to the BCM.
Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)
The IPC provides a means of customer notification in case of a failure and a voltmeter. There are 2 means of notification, a charge indicator and a driver information center (DIC) message of SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.
Which problem are you having ? Not starting ,when you turn the key to the start position what happens ? Nothing or does the starter engage an spin the engine around ?
Circuit Description (Key Start)
When the ignition switch is placed in the Start position, a discrete signal is supplied to the body control module (BCM) notifying it that the ignition is in the Start position. The BCM then sends a message to the engine control module (ECM) notifying it that CRANK has been requested. The ECM verifies that the transmission is in Park or Neutral. If it is, the ECM then supplies 12 volts to the control circuit of the crank relay. When this occurs, battery positive voltage is supplied through the switch side of the crank relay to the S terminal of the starter solenoid.
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SOURCE: want to replace bulb in headlight in 2007 saturn outlook how hard is it"
I agree with the other fae90. Tried to remove the light assy, then I read his post and did it inside 20 minutes. Took me longer to put it all back again
SOURCE: How do I change battery
No matter who does the job you will have to reprogram everything. Some parts stores sell a product that uses a 9 volt battery and plugs into the cigarette lighter, but in my experience they almost never work.
SOURCE: saturn 98 wont hold charge,
Alternator is your likely problem. The wiring isn't bad in saturns, just need to replace the belts when needed. Your problem though is definitely that it just doesn't keep a charge, so your alternator is responsible for your dilemma.
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