Battery draining light

[TridenT]

Honda Civic. Replaced the alternator a year ago (Lights were dimming off with a pulse). Tightened the alternator belt many times. It seems tight but maybe it's not enough. Either way, I cannot tighten it further as it is already at the maximum.

I am in city driving and slowing down. I press down on the brakes and the draining battery light comes on. However, it pulsates at about 80-120/min. As soon as it appears it also goes away. It's there no more than a few seconds most times. Just enough to make me worry and also get annoyed. It's usually never on during freeway driving or any kind of acceleration. Only during city driving type slowdowns. When I'm idling at a stop, it usually isn't much of a problem.

Regardless, it annoys me and I was thinking of upgrading my stereo in the car (Includes an amplifier). So, I want this alternator situation in tip top condition. Suggestions on how to diagnose the problem? What do you think it could be? (Bad contacts, possibly?)

 

[olds]

What is a "battery draining light"?

 

[Zenmervolt]

It's the alternator.

If it were a loose belt, you'd have the problem on acceleration or when you revved the engine because that's when belts slip. Slowing down to idle doesn't cause slippage.

If you just used an autozone alternator or another "lifetime warranty" unit from a bargain basement parts shop it's not surprising that the part has failed again.

ZV

 

[herm0016]

probably the voltage regulater, which is in the alternator. what zen said. are your battery posts and connections clean? you can make your belts too tight. you may want to look at that.