Check Charging System / Auto lights not working
Thread Starter
Joined: 02-18-2019
Posts: 8
From: New York
Check Charging System / Auto lights not working
So this morning I get a message to check my charging system, but don't notice anything else wrong. I get out of the car, and my headlights aren't on, although I always travel with Auto Lights on. If I manually turn the headlights on they seem fine. Can these be related? If so, do they point to something in particular?
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks,
Bill
Platinum Member
Joined: 04-09-2006
Posts: 7,043
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Welcome - glad to see you have that very rare 1996 HHR. 
Since you have a message to check your charging system - do it. It sounds like either the alternator has died or the battery is on it's way out.
Who cares if the headlights aren't on at this point - fixing the charging system is your first priority and likely is the solution to resolving the headlight issue. IE: don't sweat the small stuff at this point
Did you verify that the serpentine belt is in place and not slipping (as it drives the alternator)?
If you have a multimeter/voltmeter, you can check the voltage at the battery:
- with the engine not running the battery should measure about 12.7v or more (which means the battery is ok - 12.4 or less typically means either the battery or the charging system needs looking at)
- with the engine running you should get a reading at the battery about 14v (which indicates the alternator is working).
Any auto parts store will do a free test of the system for you to confirm the status.
Be aware that if the voltage is low, you may need to have it towed, as even with a good battery it might not be that drivable for any distance.
Since you have a message to check your charging system - do it. It sounds like either the alternator has died or the battery is on it's way out.
Who cares if the headlights aren't on at this point - fixing the charging system is your first priority and likely is the solution to resolving the headlight issue. IE: don't sweat the small stuff at this point
Did you verify that the serpentine belt is in place and not slipping (as it drives the alternator)?
If you have a multimeter/voltmeter, you can check the voltage at the battery:
- with the engine not running the battery should measure about 12.7v or more (which means the battery is ok - 12.4 or less typically means either the battery or the charging system needs looking at)
- with the engine running you should get a reading at the battery about 14v (which indicates the alternator is working).
Any auto parts store will do a free test of the system for you to confirm the status.
Be aware that if the voltage is low, you may need to have it towed, as even with a good battery it might not be that drivable for any distance.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,083
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Sometimes an oil leak isn’t a leak just the engine telling you it needs attention, or a sloppy oil filter change, missed the oil opening when adding oil!
it can be a simple fix. I just changed the front cover oil seal for the harmonic balancer, about 10 minutes work.
it can be a simple fix. I just changed the front cover oil seal for the harmonic balancer, about 10 minutes work.