My battery light came on today on the interstate after accelerating. I just put a brand new battery and alternator on the car so Im confused as to why it would come on. Any help would be appreciated!
chrisparker85
09-18-2012, 11:48 AM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
One more thing- Does anyone know if the connector to the back of the Alternator is supposed to have more than one wire?
chrisparker85
09-18-2012, 12:24 PM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
You have provided insufficient information for us to help you.
Did it come on and stay on?
Is it still on?
Was this a one-time event or is it a constant problem?
Why did you replace the alternator AND battery? (That is, what is the «backstory» here.)
Is the belt tension right? (That is, did the light come on because the belt was slipping.)
Fill us in on what is really going on!
09-18-2012, 12:47 PM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
My old alternator went bacd a few weeks ago and it caused the battery to go bad as well. We replaced everything ourselves on my 2006 Crossfire. (The parts were orginal) After we replaced the first Alternator the lights would dim in and out and so we were told it was a faulty Voltage regulator- so I ordered another one-after installing this one last night the lights were fine but this morning I was on the interstate and the battery light came on and as soon as I slowed down it went off. So I punched it again to see what would happen and it came on again. So it only comes on when I accelerate the vehicle in high speeds. The lights no longer flicker. Its just the battery light now.
chrisparker85
09-18-2012, 01:01 PM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
Ok, now to research and see just what lights the light. I don’t beleive it is like the 70’s where the light only meant a «no charging» condition.
Take, for instance, the light on the left that looks like a radiator. When lit, it can mean the coolant level is low, it can also mean that the ECM has lost contact with or senses a failure in, the fan control module.
If you could monitor the system voltage while driving and see what happens to the voltage when the light is on and off, it would be a helluva clue.
09-18-2012, 01:30 PM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
Původně odeslal chrisparker85
One more thing- Does anyone know if the connector to the back of the Alternator is supposed to have more than one wire?
I think there are three wires, they may be in one connector.
sto80
09-18-2012, 01:32 PM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
OK. Ill try that. Im really wondering if I need to get a new belt because I had to take it off a few times.
chrisparker85
09-18-2012, 09:57 PM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
Did you replace the serpentine belt? Sounds like it may be slipping on acceleration.
09-18-2012, 11:59 PM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
Alright after checking the voltage the battery light would come on as soon as the car hit 2000 RPMS it would also lower the voltage to 12.2 to 12.3. However I tried this after i got home. Today when i started the car after work the battery light stayed on and didnt go off until 12 miles later. Pep Boys tested the Alternator and the battery and said they were fine but it seems like the alternator isnt charging the battery the way its supposed to while driving it?
chrisparker85
09-19-2012, 02:24 AM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
Původně odeslal chrisparker85
Alright after checking the voltage the battery light would come on as soon as the car hit 2000 RPMS it would also lower the voltage to 12.2 to 12.3. However I tried this after i got home. Today when i started the car after work the battery light stayed on and didnt go off until 12 miles later. Pep Boys tested the Alternator and the battery and said they were fine but it seems like the alternator isnt charging the battery the way its supposed to while driving it?
Have you inspected the cables and grounds at the battery? There may be corrosion that may not be visible even inside the insulation.
If the voltage drops it may mean that the supplied battery power is too low when the car needs more power. This may be due to poor wires not capable of carrying that voltage.
Not enough power makes it to the battery so the alternator supplies the need directly.
sto80
09-19-2012, 07:47 AM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
Simple test at home:
With the car running, you should be able to remove the battery negative terminal and have the alternator produce enough to keep car running. I though that the regulator was internal?? Wiring connector/connections may be your area to check out.
09-19-2012, 10:03 AM
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Původně odeslal waldig
Simple test at home:
With the car running, you should be able to remove the battery negative terminal and have the alternator produce enough to keep car running. I though that the regulator was internal?? Wiring connector/connections may be your area to check out.
Do NOT do this.
The battery is there to mellow out the imperfect voltage signal the alternator puts out. An alternator produces AC voltage that is simply clipped to give a DC type of equivalent signal by the voltage regulator. It does not actually produce a constant battery like DC feed. Your electronics will not like it. It may or may not stay running. It may or may not cause immediate damage, but all it takes is a split second and a module is done.
MoparFreak69
09-19-2012, 10:09 AM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
Původně odeslal MoparFreak69
Do NOT do this.
The battery is there to mellow out the imperfect voltage signal the alternator puts out. An alternator produces AC voltage that is simply clipped to give a DC type of equivalent signal by the voltage regulator. It does not actually produce a constant battery like DC feed. Your electronics will not like it. It may or may not stay running. It may or may not cause immediate damage, but all it takes is a split second and a module is done.
+1 to that ( sorry Woody )
The best check is to measure the battery voltage with the engine off, should be 12v or a bit better.
Start the engine, voltage should be 14.3-14.8 volts, if not, alternator is not putting out.
09-19-2012, 04:54 PM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
I’ve posted a couple of time about this issue which I have as well. New battery, cables and alternator installed. I’m out a few $$ without correcting the problem (?) but the good news is that it hasn’t been an issue as far as driving even on long trips.
09-20-2012, 01:52 PM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
I tried the Voltage last night and it stayed at 11.7- I also took the plug out of the back of the Alternator and it only has one blue wire in it? Is that Normal? When I started the car with out it in the battery light stayed off then came back on once I put it in. Pep Boys tested it again and they said both are good. Could it be the plug that inserts in the back of the Alternator? I have pictures but cant figure out how to really put them up.
chrisparker85
09-20-2012, 02:32 PM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
Původně odeslal chrisparker85
I tried the Voltage last night and it stayed at 11.7- I also took the plug out of the back of the Alternator and it only has one blue wire in it? Is that Normal? When I started the car with out it in the battery light stayed off then came back on once I put it in. Pep Boys tested it again and they said both are good. Could it be the plug that inserts in the back of the Alternator? I have pictures but cant figure out how to really put them up.
The blue wire is what makes the bulb in the dash light up. There is a black wire from the alternator to the battery and a black wire to the battery.
See 2004 Repair Manual 8W-20-2.
sto80
11-12-2014, 07:32 PM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
Původně odeslal ala_xfire
+1 to that ( sorry Woody )
The best check is to measure the battery voltage with the engine off, should be 12v or a bit better.
Start the engine, voltage should be 14.3-14.8 volts, if not, alternator is not putting out.
This test was very helpful. Thanks
05-26-2018, 11:19 PM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
I have the same problem when I accelerate battery idiot lite comes on. It actually comes on when there is increased load on the engine. once above 2000 if increasing speed light comes on then when I stabilize speed it goes off and stays off. If I put it on cruise it’s fine. Now when I go over 80 it starts to flicker more constant. I am beginning to think it’s related to the blower. If you accelerate the blower comes on and light comes on. If you easy up to speed no light. I know the blower wont’ come on until you reach a certain rpm and theres load on the engine. What rpms does blower come on. Another thing revving the car in park up to 4000 repeatedly will not set off the light. In park blower doesn’t come on. I’ve racked my brain on this and it is starting to point to blower. Everything else is new and checked out. How could the blower impact voltage? PLEASE HELP I AM AT WITS END.
05-27-2018, 12:02 AM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
Původně odeslal gkarr45
I have the same problem when I accelerate battery idiot lite comes on. It actually comes on when there is increased load on the engine. once above 2000 if increasing speed light comes on then when I stabilize speed it goes off and stays off. If I put it on cruise it’s fine. Now when I go over 80 it starts to flicker more constant. I am beginning to think it’s related to the blower. If you accelerate the blower comes on and light comes on. If you easy up to speed no light. I know the blower wont’ come on until you reach a certain rpm and theres load on the engine. What rpms does blower come on. Another thing revving the car in park up to 4000 repeatedly will not set off the light. In park blower doesn’t come on. I’ve racked my brain on this and it is starting to point to blower. Everything else is new and checked out. How could the blower impact voltage? PLEASE HELP I AM AT WITS END.
What «blower» are you talking about?
05-27-2018, 01:09 AM
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Re: Battery Light comes on when I accelerate
Původně odeslal gkarr45
I have the same problem when I accelerate battery idiot lite comes on. It actually comes on when there is increased load on the engine. once above 2000 if increasing speed light comes on then when I stabilize speed it goes off and stays off. If I put it on cruise it’s fine. Now when I go over 80 it starts to flicker more constant. I am beginning to think it’s related to the blower. If you accelerate the blower comes on and light comes on. If you easy up to speed no light. I know the blower wont’ come on until you reach a certain rpm and theres load on the engine. What rpms does blower come on. Another thing revving the car in park up to 4000 repeatedly will not set off the light. In park blower doesn’t come on. I’ve racked my brain on this and it is starting to point to blower. Everything else is new and checked out. How could the blower impact voltage? PLEASE HELP I AM AT WITS END.
Forget the super charger as the cause of the battery lite, I assume it is the battery lite and not the check engine lite.
The SC will not come on in park, why should it as there is no need for more power. The SC comes on when driving at around 2,500 rpm I think and stays on until it is in park again I think that is what has been said by Woody.
Your problems are in the charging circuit, bad battery, alternator, regulator or wiring.
That�s what I think anyway.

Seeing the illuminated battery system warning light, paired with engine power loss and the inability to accelerate normally, indicates a severe electrical system problem.
In this article, we’ll explore potential causes ranging from dead batteries and faulty alternators to wiring issues that can create this concerning combo of symptoms. Diagnosing the specific cause, such as the battery, alternator, or general electrical faults, allows us to make proper repairs.
So don’t get stranded without acceleration due to mysterious battery lights and power loss. Let’s outline solutions to have you quickly back up to speed when this worrisome pair of problems arises.
Obsah
Causes Of The Battery Light And Acceleration Issues
Vybitá nebo slabá baterie
- An old battery with insufficient charge and declining capacity will struggle to provide enough power to energize the ignition system, fuel pump, injectors, and ignition coils by drawing maximum current under acceleration. This results in a powerless engine.
Selhávající alternátor
- Suppose the alternator output is not in the correct form, and it’s not restoring the battery charge. In that case, the vehicle will gradually lose electrical power as it runs off just the battery with no charging. This leads to acceleration issues as voltage drops.
Uvolněné připojení baterie
- Battery cables that have become slightly loose or corroded prevents the alternator from charging the battery to the maximum level. As a result, it will have a low voltage along with the engine power issues.
Damaged alternator wiring
- Fraying or disconnected alternator wiring prevents the charging system current from reaching the battery by resulting in voltage drop and engine issues.
Slipping serpentine belt
- A loose, oil-soaked serpentine belt can slip on the pulleys by refusing to spin the alternator. This will rapidly drain voltage and cause performance issues.
Vadný spínač zapalování
- Suppose the ignition switch fails to deliver proper battery voltage to start up and run the engine. This will result in acceleration power loss along with a warning battery light activation.
Solutions For The battery light and acceleration Issues
- Use a dedicated battery load tester to verify battery charge capacity. Recharge questionable batteries or replace old batteries that cannot hold a sufficient charge.
- Check alternator output voltages to confirm proper charging operations. Inspect wire harness plugs and terminals for any corrosion or looseness that affects charging.
- Remove any battery or alternator wiring connections and clean those thoroughly. Reconnect and tighten the battery cables and alternator to ensure a solid connection.
- Inspect all engine accessory drive belts for signs of cracking, glazing, and lack of tension. Install a new serpentine belt to stop any belt slip conditions.
- Use a multimeter to verify the battery voltage correctly, which passes through all ignition switch positions. Replace faulty ignition switches that are failing to activate the vehicle electronics.
- Use an OBD2 scanner tool to check for any diagnostic trouble codes related to the battery, alternator, or other charging system parameters that are out of normal range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Battery Light On Car Won’t Accelerate
Q: How can I diagnose this problem by myself?
A: While the average car owner can perform some basic checks, diagnosing the exact cause often requires professional help. You can start by inspecting the serpentine belt for wear and checking the battery terminals for loose connections. However, it’s advisable to have a mechanic to run a diagnostic scan to pinpoint the issues accurately.
Q: Can I continue driving with the battery light on, along with the reduced acceleration?
A: Generally, the answer is yes. But if the problem is related to the charging system, then the battery may not have a stable charge, and this may leads your vehicle to have a sudden stop.
Q: Does my car’s warranty cover this problem?
A: It depends on the age and warranty coverage of your vehicle. Newer cars may have warranty coverage for such issues, while older vehicles may not. Check your vehicle’s warranty documentation for more details.















