I was driving home from work this evening and noticed my "check gauges" light was on. So, I looked and my voltage gauge (voltometer?) was all the way to the right/bottom. Not sure if that means it's over charging or not charging. The numbers are 18 at the top/left and 8 at the bottom/right. But, the picture of the battery on the voltage meter shows the minus on the left and the plus on the right. This is why I am confused.

I stopped at the gas station to gas up. When I started the car back up,gauge was in the middle as always. I drove most of the way home (about 5 minutes) with no lights or radio and gauge was fine. Turned the lights and radio on about 3 minutes from home and the gauge was almost to the bottom again by the time I pulled in my driveway.

So, I did the key on/off check. Here are the codes that I got:
12 Battery or computer recently disconnected47 Battery voltage too low and alternator output too low55 End of codes

What could be causing this? Is it safe to drive to work tomorrow morning?

Thank you!
Gina

 

bad alternator

 

Thank you, Tom. That's what I was afraid of. Is that a common problem with these cars? I've already replaced it at least once, if not twice since I've owned the car. (Bought it used in1998.) Is that odd to have replaced it once or twice in 10 years?

Thank you again!
Gina

 

I don't think I've ever had an alternator (on any vehicle) last more than about 3 years.

 

Yup. It was definitely the alternator. Apparently it overcharged and burnt out a wire. Luckily, I had a lifetime warranty on my alternator through Auto Zone. I had just replaced in in 2005. So, Greaseangel, your 3 year estimation sounds right.

Thank you all so much for all of your help. I have no luck with cars. I'd geta horse, but the poor thing would probably break it's leg. LOL!

Thanx again!
Gina

 

Replaced the alternator in my 2002 earlier this year ...... first one in 6 years. Must be all that salt on the road up herein the Winter that keeps them sparking.
The salt is bad for horse shoes though, rust and all.

 

We have salt here in CT, too. Maybe that's what did it?

So, now I have a belt squealing. Is that bad? Will it break faster if it's squealing? The thing is, my mechanic won't charge me, so I don't want to bring it in for little things that don't really matter. I hope to have a new car by the end of the summer anyway. Do you think it would be ok to let it go for now?

Thanx!
Gina