GS - 1st Gen (1993-1997) Discussion about the first generation GS300

Battery Indicator light

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Old 12-03-07, 10:20 AM
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SISMO817
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Default Battery Indicator light

ok, for the past two months my battery light has been comming on and off. The first time it came on, I figured it was the alternator. I took it off had it tested and they told me it was a 65 amps. My battery was low, I charged it and it was fine for a couple of weeks. Making a long story short ( no pun intended) I think that I have a short in my system. My battery light keeps comming on and off once a week and sometimes flickers. Any where I should start looking first?

Oh and another thing, has anyone tried out the after maket ground systmes that are a heavier gauge?

Thanks
Old 12-03-07, 11:05 AM
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Kaiser
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It's no secret that the grounding systems in that car are weak. I used a dremel with a wire brush to clean the paint off on the main grounds. They have 4 white with black stripe wires connecting to the frame. The most important ones are on the inner fenders. Buff them down to bare metal, it makes a large improvement. Also check your main battery wires to see if they are corroding from the inside. You can try all that first, but I'm guessing you have a bad alt and it's just a matter of time before the light stays on for good.
Old 12-03-07, 04:50 PM
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SISMO817
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where exactly are they located? Will i have to put the car up on ramps or can i get to them from the engine bay? Thanks for any tips
Old 12-03-07, 06:08 PM
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Open the hood and they will be near the back of the headlights.
Old 12-03-07, 06:37 PM
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Thanks, I really appreciate the tip.
Old 12-05-07, 10:28 PM
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Nazar
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Did the grounding help. i thought the alternator in these cars were stronger then 65 amps.
Old 12-06-07, 02:52 PM
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Have not done it yet, but i will post asap
Old 01-01-08, 02:49 PM
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Benaiah
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tag.

I'm going to try this. I just bought a 93' 5 weeks ago. The guy put in a new alternator because he said "the battery light was coming on." After owning the car for 5 weeks, the light just came on today. Hopefully this fix will do the trick.

[edit] wow. Got in the car a few hours after writing this. I only made it a few blocks when I noticed that the lights were dim, so I pulled over. I got out and inspected the lights, and they were indeed way dim. I think I turned the car off, and tried to restart it, but it wouldn't start. I just got towed home. There is so little juice that I can't even lock/unlock the doors with the button.

Sound like the alternator? This guy said that he just put a new one in a few days before I bought it.

Last edited by Benaiah; 01-01-08 at 10:29 PM.
Old 01-30-08, 02:21 PM
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JonCAGS300
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Last night the battery light came on, but only when idling. I took it to Sears for testing, because they were the only place open. They said the battery was bad. They put in a new battery and then tested the charging system. The meter indicated that it isn't charging, and the battery light still comes on when idling.

I previously cleaned the ground contacts and terminals as mentioned above, so I don't think those are the issue. I will check the actual alternator contacts. I had previously noticed that when I step on the brake the headlights dimmed slightly; that's been going on for some time now. Would that indicate a bad alternator?
Old 01-30-08, 02:27 PM
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Nazar
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Originally Posted by JonCAGS300
Last night the battery light came on, but only when idling. I took it to Sears for testing, because they were the only place open. They said the battery was bad. They put in a new battery and then tested the charging system. The meter indicated that it isn't charging, and the battery light still comes on when idling.

I previously cleaned the ground contacts and terminals as mentioned above, so I don't think those are the issue. I will check the actual alternator contacts. I had previously noticed that when I step on the brake the headlights dimmed slightly; that's been going on for some time now. Would that indicate a bad alternator?
Start the car, let it run, while it is running disconnect the battey terminal (Positive) See if the car will still stay running. If it odes th ealternator is keeping the car running. If it does not you may have a week or bad alternator.
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