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I have a 1998 Chev Lumina Sedan. In the last 24 hours, the ...

Sent to Car Experts May 15 2006 at 5:14 AM
   

I have a 1998 Chev Lumina Sedan. In the last 24 hours, the "volts" light on the dash comes on intermittently. It seems to come on during idle and deceleration, and then it goes away during acceleration. All the acessories in the car work fine (radio, headlights, etc), and the car has started just fine 5 times since I first saw the light yesterday. How can I tell if this is a battery or an alternator issue?

 

Optional Information:
1998 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1L V6

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Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
Answer
May 15 2006 at 5:48 AM (33 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

The battery and alternator have to be tested with special testers that can determine their failure. Most auto parts stores will test them for you if you take them off the vehicle. The best test I believe it at a repair facility that has late model testing equipment capable of picking up the slightest of problems in the charging system. If your battery is wet, smells like rotten egg, bloated, corroded; these are signs that it needs replacing. A bad battery will ruin a good alternator if it is kept in the electrical system. It may also be the alternator belt so make sure it's checked for being loose, or cracked, worn.

-Rip



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RIP -- Lead Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2111 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Master Technician, Advanced Level, Smog - European, Domestic, & Asian -- Car Category Mentor
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