Q&A

 Master

If the alternator/generator fails to charge it will cause the Battery light to come on and may cause the air bag light to illuminate. A simple check for the alternator is to put a voltmeter across the terminals of the battery.At rest the voltmeter should read, 12.6 volts if the battery is fully charged if not the battery is not fully charged and may be defective or not have charged due to a defect in the charging system. Get a friend to start the car, the voltage will drop while the engine is being started but the voltage on the meter should read 14.7 volts approx once the engine has started and run, if not the alternator is not charging the battery. A wiring diagram, amp meter, and test procedures will be necessary to further trouble shoot the system. Check your fuses and circuit breakers as one fuse may blow and cause these problems. The fuse boxes are located in the engine compartment and the trunk (behind the rear seat.