1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
 | [Main C900 Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Prev by Date | Next by Date | Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
Risky Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Wed, 28 Nov 2001 09:02:28
In Reply to: Battery light went on, Abe, Wed, 28 Nov 2001 08:47:32 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
If your battery light is on, chances are good that your battery isn't charging. That means that all the electrical power for the car comes from the battery. Normally, the battery is just used for starting, and the alternator supplies all the electrical needs of the car, AND recharges the battery for what it lost starting the car.
I have limped a car home just on the battery, and it was about a 30 minute drive. A lot depends on the condition of your battery, and how much electrical load you have. If the battery is more than a few years old, it's risky. The only possible way to be driving with NO headlights, blower motor off, AC off, seat heater off, and don't do anything to load the system - run power windows, etc. What's more, you need to stay off the brakes. Saabs have a lot of brake lights, and when they come on, it puts a big load on the battery.
If you have to drive home at dusk or dark so you need your lights on, or if you have any stop and go driving, I wouldn't even think about it.
Since you've already driven some time on the battery alone getting to work, and you still have a start to go, I would look for help closer to work. Open the hood and make sure the belt is on the alternator - perhaps it fell off or broke. Make sure the thin wire to the back of the alternator isn't grounding itself on the engine block or chassis. If the belt hasn't broken, chances are you need a new voltage regulator, which just bolts into the back of the alternator. Any decent shop should be able to swap out a voltage regulator in a half-hour, including a coffee break.
Now would be a great time to have AAA. (no, this isn't an ad or endorsement)
Good luck!
posted by 140.157....
, Wed, 28 Nov 2001 09:02:28 <-- Viewing This Message
, Wed, 28 Nov 2001 11:07:40
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
