Q: Changed alternator and battery, but still says check charging system
Changed my battery a few weeks ago when my car died. Check charging system came back up. AutoZone said it was the alternator. I changed that also. Now two weeks later the message is back. What is it?
My car has 61000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.
Recommended Services
| Battery will not hold a charge Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Hello and thank you for writing in!
This is likely a sign of a bad voltage regulator. This is a unit that regulates the charging of the battery from the alternator. When this is not functioning properly, this can cause the battery to be over or undercharged by the alternator and will cause this light to come on. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to diagnose and service your car’s charging system.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
What does the all-wheel drive (AWD) Warning Light mean in a 2012 Nissan Rogue?
The all-wheel drive (AWD) Warning Light is located on the instrument panel. When this light illuminates, the vehicle has detected a problem with the AWD system, or the diameter of the front and rear wheels is different. Tips The AWD...
Car is not starting
Hi. In a no start situation, there are always a few items that would need to be looked at. The first thing that is generally done is to read out any trouble codes in the engine computer. If codes are...
High idle in the morning and after sitting for 5+ hours
Hi, thanks for writing in. I'd like to start by saying, you haven't wasted your money. Even if your issue hasn't been repaired, they did some quality maintenance that will help your truck last many more miles. I understand your...
how to tell if timing chain is bad
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. Misfires can be caused by sloppy timing chain, spark plugs and wires not working, injectors not working, or a problem within the engine. To check the timing chain, get a timing light and...
How to use Napa 85-200 12V. 1 Amp. This battery charger is slow.
Hi there. When you get a Napa 85-200 12 volt 1 amp battery charger, first you will need to check the battery for the water level. This is done by removing the caps to the battery. (Warning: Do not remove...
The passenger door is stuck shut. It won't open from the inside or the outside.
You are probably correct that it is not fully unlatching. The Mini door lock actuators (part electric, part mechanical) have what is essentially a two-stage lock, and can become "double-locked". Sometimes, exercising the "unlock/lock/unlock" cycle multiple times will yield just...
Do a 2006 mercury milan premier 3.0 have a fuel filter?
Your vehicle's fuel supply system does have a fuel filter but that filter is built into the fuel pump which is installed in the gas tank. Should you desire service on the filter please use YourMechanic's fuel filter replacement service...
I have a 1988 Chrysler Fifth Ave,everything under the hood was wet now it's been 3days and still won't start
Excessive moisture and, worse, liquid water, all over the engine will cause electrical components to malfunction. The engine should be inspected to determine if it can be "dried out" and to determine which connectors and components need to be removed...
Related articles
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Fisherman
What What do anglers look for, specifically, in their vehicles? Lots of room, plenty of cargo space, and sometimes, the ability to handle rough terrain. Some fishermen also want the option of towing a boat. With that in mind, we...
How to Buy Good Quality Battery Cables
When When your car won’t start, it’s easy to immediately jump to the battery as the problem. If a voltage test, however, shows that the battery is fine, the issue could very well be the battery cables. These oft-overlooked components...
How to Find the Keyless Code on a Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer
Many Many Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers were manufactured with an option known as the Ford keyless entry keypad. Some models refer to it as SecuriCode as well. It is a five-button numeric keypad that is used to: Eliminate fumbling...
Browse other content
Maintenance
Services