Dashboard light charging malfunction?

[Steven Allen]

This light came on today on the dash/charging light (yellow light, left hand side of dash). It came on for a while then went off. Then later in the day it stayed on continiously. Owners manual states that it should be effecting the voltage gauge, but I see no evidence of this - any thoughts?

 

[jeffchai]

make sure the alternator is working properly and check for loose belt and loose battery terminal.

 

[Steven Allen]

Well it must be strictly a sensor issue. Battery cables look fine as do belts. Since the voltage gauge continues to indicate there is no problem with rechraging I can assume the generator and alternator must be functioning correctly. Has anyone else had a similar issue?

 

[Daedalus]

Use a voltmeter and get a better reading. I suspect the alt is indeed going out, just not all the way yet. If voltage at idle is below 14V expect to replace the alt soon.

 

[Tony Montoya]

That happened to my low mileage Supra. The idiot light came on and I had to replace the battery.

 

[Steven Allen]

Use a voltmeter and get a better reading. I suspect the alt is indeed going out, just not all the way yet. If voltage at idle is below 14V expect to replace the alt soon.

I will check the idle voltage - good suggestions thank you.

 

[Steven Allen]

I filled up with gas last night as the car has had the warning light (low fuel) for a few days. The alternator light went off (normal position) as soon as I completed the task. Just a coincidence?