Battery light keeps coming on

Hello Lewis, The only thing that I can think of is to check to make sure the belt that drives the alternator is tight.

Have a auto electrician check that the 14.2 volts is actually dc current as it if it is ac then there is a problem in the rectifier of the alternator

check wiring and rotating switch

Sounds like the alternator has gone bad. Jump start the car and check the voltage at the battery. You should see around 14 volts if the alternator is working. If you see around 12 the alternator is not charging.

Labor rates and parts pricing various greatly depending on where you are. Your best bet to find the most accurate pricing for your area would be to call some local shops to get some phone quotes.

You can expect anywhere from $300 to $600 to have the alternator replaced at a shop. If you do it yourself you can expect to pay $100 to $275 for the alternator at a parts store.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

CHECK ALTERNATOR OUT PUT SHOULD BE 13.5 VOLTS TO 14.5 VOLTS.IF NOT ALTERNATOR IS NOT CHARGING BATTERY.CHECK ALTERNATOR FUSE AND CHECK ALTERNATOR POSITIVE FEED WIRE AND VOLTAGE REGULATOR WIRES.IF ALL IS GOOD ALTERNATOR NEED TESTING AND REPLACED.IF ALTERNATOR GOOD BATTERY CABLES COULD BE OLD CAUSING POOR GROUND AND HIGH RESISTANCE IN POSITIVE CIRCUIT. STARTER SOLENOID FAULTY IF NOT BEEN REPLACED.

It is common practice to replace belts that are 3 years or older depending on the type belt it is. The stretch and break over time with heat and cooling that goes on. Some mechanics are not trained in the proper maintainance of belts and hoses You should be having the timing belt change to. I believe if it is the ribbed type belt it is supposed to be replaced at 60 thousand miles. If you don't and the belt fails it's a $3000.00 repair minimum so $200.00 IN maintiance is in my opinion worth it. And belts can just fail even new ones. However you could also have a Tensioner pulley bearing going out causing the problem so I suggest you try a different shop. Hope this helps and thanks for using fix-ya.

The alternator drive belt is loose or worn out. If the alternator is driven off a serpentine belt then replace the belt. Inspect the serpentine belt tensioner and replace if necessary. On an 18 year old car it is more than likely defective. If it is driven off a standard drive belt then adjust the alternator to tighten the belt. Inspect the belt for fraying and or cracks and replace if you see any.

Check the voltage ot the battery when the light is on. Ity should be approx 13.6 volts. If its around 12 volts, the alternator isnt charging. BUT just beacause it isnt charging, doesnt mean its bad, wirng has to be verified good, and connection.

Is the fan belt tight? If so using an amp. meter, start engine & check by putting leads on neg. & pos. of battery. Reading should be higher than 13.2 if lower replace alternator. Good luck!