Red LIght on the dash :(

I have a picture of a battery on my dash board.. Now it glows red.
Did I break it??
My car is also making a funny rattle noise ...
What makes the battery light turn red?

Yo battery is not charging. Probably the alternator is faulty. Battery itself is probably OK. The red light says "Not Charging".

[TheBurningCat]

At least its not flashing, thats the scary stuff!

[Knothead]

Your battery is not charging. Probably the alternator is faulty. Battery itself is probably OK. The red light says "Not Charging".

Yep. Plus, if the rattling noise is related to this, I would definitely guess that the alternator shaft bearings have gone. You can go right to the alternator pulley and give it a wiggle. If it moves at all. you'll need a new alternator.

Fortunately, alternators are one of the easiest engine components to replace!

You can take the old one over to Pep Boys and get a rebuilt for about $60.00. Be sure to take the old one as a "core", or they'll charge you extra.

Also, when you get done, have a mechanic check your belt tension. He'll prolly do it for free, and it 's SO critical, and SO easy to get it wrong.

Good luck, Surreal!

[Knothead]

I would definitely guess

Yeeesh.

WooHoo!!
This helps relieve my mind! Thanks Knot. This doesn't sound like a disaster after you put it that way
Ok, well I'll let ya know, my boyfriend is going to take a look at that stuff. Boy did I get lucky! he comes out to visit me the weekend my car breaks down and I have my son's truck cause he's outa town.. so I guess I should be happy not sad eh?
thanks again!

[Toadman]

Check the tension on the alternator belt. It may be slipping on the pulley and hitting the timing cover or whatever.

[Grog]

I thought this had to do with your burning desire to be a fireman.

Err......Fireperson

[big_buick]

hi surreal, are we talking of your contour here...that's the last vehicle i remember you having.. i would brace for impact on the 60.00 alternator. but in american money that may be close. i hope so.

Me thinks it's gonna be more, the way the motor is in sideways looks like a mount has to come off to get to it.. It's going to the shop (NOT the dealership) Tuesday..

BB you have a good memory,,