![]() ![]() If it’s producing a voltage level in the 13s, go ahead and take it into a parts store and have it tested. If it’s still showing in the 12’s, it’s time to replace the alternator. If you got 14.2 or more volts, the alternator is charging fine. After firing the engine up, you should get over 14.2 volts.Leave the air conditioner off, as well as the headlights and any other accessories. Now that you have a baseline, it’s time to turn the engine on.With the engine off, you should get a reading somewhere between 12.0 volts and 12.6 volts. Touch the positive side of the voltmeter to the positive battery wire. With your Cobalt turned off, you’ll connect the negative side of the meter to the negative battery post.Specifically, you’ll need to set it to 20V DC. If you have a multimeter, you can test your Cobalt’s alternator at home in no time. This is a very common reason why dash lights flicker/no start. Make sure that it is snugged tightly and that there’s no rust underneath it. Then, follow it to its mounting location on the engine block or chassis. Inspect your Cobalt’s ground cable for any obvious damage. But, a damaged or loose ground connection can cause the problem anywhere on the cable. Bad Ground WireĪbove, we discussed that a bad ground connection at the battery could cause the lights to flicker and a no-start condition. Let it sit in the mixture for about 10 minutes. You can also mix a generous amount of baking soda in water to clean the terminals. Just be careful not to get any of the corrosion in your eye.īattery post cleaner is available at most parts stores. A battery post cleaner or wire brush can clean them in no time. It only takes a second to check the battery posts out. If the battery post is corroded, it won’t be able to do its job of sending the voltage to and from the battery efficiently, and your Cobalt’s battery light will turn on. ![]() The voltage from the alternator goes to the battery through a wire that connects it to the battery post. ![]() If they have a battery acid buildup, you may fix your Cobalt’s alternator warning light by cleaning them and the battery terminals. ![]() Clean any Battery Post Corrosion If you have a battery post that looks like this, clean it. If it appears wobbly or is making a squeaking sound, replace it. With the engine running, take a look at the serpentine belt. If it’s shiny and cracked, it may not be turning the alternator fast enough to charge the battery, even if it is there. Is the belt missing? Is it shiny and cracked? If it is missing entirely, don’t drive your Cobalt for any reason until you replace it. The serpentine belt that turns the alternator is top of the list. Check The Serpentine Beltīefore testing your Cobalt’s battery, examine the basic things. The potential fixes are presented in a good way to check your car. The battery warning light tells the driver if there is an issue with the charging system.ĭirectly below are the common causes for the Chevy Cobalt battery warning light.The battery stores voltage for when the starter needs it or a sudden voltage demand increase.The voltage regulator produces a fixed output voltage, which keeps the system from overloading.The alternator charges the battery and powers your car.A serpentine belt turns the alternator.Here are the basics of how your Cobalt’s charging system works: The charging system in vehicles hasn’t changed that much in the last 50 years. That would indicate a bad battery, but it’s still worth your while to test it first.Ĭhevy Cobalt Battery Light Causes + Diagnosis You may have noticed your car struggling to start, and the battery light stays on after the start. Your Cobalt’s battery light can come on at any time while driving if the voltage drops below a certain threshold. Most battery lights will come on when a vehicle starts if the computer has detected that the voltage is too low to turn the starter at the proper RPM. Yes, Without Enough Voltage, the Engine Will DieĬlimate Control Failure, Weak Headlights, Random Misfiring, Red Battery Light (None at first) The battery light comes on because the voltage level at the battery is too low.įaulty Battery, Bad Alternator, Battery Cables, Battery Terminal Corrosion The charging system itself is relatively simple. If your Chevy Cobalt’s battery light is on, it is trying to warn you that there is an issue with the charging system. ![]()
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