Battery Charging Light On Until I Drive Away

Guys, today I noticed that my 99 DII's Battery Charging light stays on until I put it in drive and head down the road. I gave it ample time to do a check before I slap it into D but it still stays on. I can also step on the gas while in park (giving it a little 'rev' ) and the light goes off. I did pop the hood and noted some white soot around my + terminal on the battery. I cleaned both the terminal and the wire loop that goes around the terminal with my battery brush and reseated and tightened. Took her out for a few more runs and still get the the light for a few until it gets up to speed. (like 15 mph or so..)

Any ideas? Battery was replaced at the beginning of May. I don't see any issues in my tach. being slow or not steady as I go thru the RPMs.

Thanks much,

-Zac
Elgin, IL

It is your alternator, could be just the terminals need a good clean, or you are getting the warning signs of your alternator on it's way out, or you are in need of a new drive belt.
Check your current reading from the alternator, you should be reading around 14V when the engine is running... chances are you are getting less.. check the condition of the belt as well.
Also check the vicous fan, if this is wobbling, this will also casue the same problem as the belt will not be tight enough to turn the alternator. This of course is the worse case as this is the failure of the bearings in the water pump.

Hope it is of help...

I have a digital voltmeter but I'm not sure where to touch the + and - endpoints to the alternator. Can you advise? I've also looked over the belt and it seems okay. I'm going to also take it in to my local mech. this week to take a peek.

Thanks,

-Zac

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lighting90

It is your alternator, could be just the terminals need a good clean, or you are getting the warning signs of your alternator on it's way out, or you are in need of a new drive belt.
Check your current reading from the alternator, you should be reading around 14V when the engine is running... chances are you are getting less.. check the condition of the belt as well.
Also check the vicous fan, if this is wobbling, this will also casue the same problem as the belt will not be tight enough to turn the alternator. This of course is the worse case as this is the failure of the bearings in the water pump.

Hope it is of help...

The (+) should be on the thick brown wires terminal on the alternator...(this of course may not be so easy as yours may have the cassette style cable plug...) the (-) can by anywhere on the engine..
Make sure you have the volt meter set correctly, don't want you to blow it up..

sounds like lighting90 hit all the stuff. It is more than likely the alternator. If you don't know how to check it, take it to a parts store and they will check it in the hopes they can sell you one. hope it helps. gotta love a rover. duboff.