Q: My alternator is overcharging to about 14.8-15 volts. Can that cause other warning lights to come on?

asked by on November 13, 2016

My alternator is overcharging to about 14.8-15 volts can that cause other lights to come on,like the ABS sensor ,parking brake light ,and it took away my traction control of.pls help

Alternator Replacement $166.62 - $1297.14 Get a Quote

Hi. Yes, in a lot of cars when the battery is low or the charging system is malfunctioning, the ABS Light, Brake Light and the Traction Control Light will come on. This happens because these systems must have the correct battery voltage for them to operate properly. These lights coming on is just another indicator that the battery or charging system needs to be checked and fixed so the car will operate properly.

I suggest you have a certified technician, such as from YourMechanic, come to your location to replace your alternator and check your car for any other issues.

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


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Alarm goes off when inserting key into ignition
Hello. Even though the battery has been tested, there still may be a problem with the battery or alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/alternator-or-car-battery-how-to-tell-which-part-is-the-problem) not charging properly if the car needs to be jump started. The factory alarm is very hard to disable and...
Keyless start problem
Hello there. This is not uncommon at all. The most likely causes would be the start button, ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-switch-replacement), starter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement), battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-replacement), or a wiring issue. Since this is an intermittent issue, your best bet is to try...
It feels like my car is about to break down, like I am very carefully carrying the engine home so it doesn't fall out.
Hi there. I would typically start by checking to see if the check engine light is on and then I would scan the computer for codes. This can give some insight as to what is going on. If there are...
Knocking when driving
An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. An ignition knock is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced...
What could be causing my 09 Ford Fusion to leak excessive antifreeze run hot and heat not to work
Hello. Thank you for writing in. The coolant leak is what is causing the engine to overheat. Without proper coolant flow, the engine is not able to transfer it heat away from itself. The hot coolant is also used in...
Hole in radiator, leaking
Any leaks in a cooling system, including those in a radiator, can be repaired by requesting YourMechanic's (https://www.yourmechanic.com) mobile diagnostic and repair services. So, you need not move the vehicle. If you would like the radiator replacement performed by a...
Why does my 2006 Ford Fusion stall.
Hi there. Your Fusion can be stalling for any number of reasons. If the fuel system is producing as much pressure as you are stating then the fuel system should be fine. It sounds like you may have an issue...
turbo replaced diognised and error code P0403, P2263 and P0244.
Hi there. You may want to have the mechanics read this article on what causes the P0403 OBD-II trouble code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0403-obd-ii-trouble-code-exhaust-gas-recirculation-circuit-malfunction-by-jay-safford) first. It might help them resolve your issue. To find more info about the other trouble codes, simply type...
i have a 2000 chevy blazer,4x4, 4.3L, and my gas gauge is stuck on full all the time . Sometimes if i stop, the neddle will drop d
This is likely related to the fuel tank sending unit inside the fuel tank, which will require the fuel tank to be dropped in order to access and replace. The fuel gauge sending unit (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-gauge-sender-replacement) is a small float type...

Related articles

How Long Does an Alternator Belt Last?
Your Your car’s alternator is what delivers energy to your vehicle’s battery. It works by means of converting mechanical energy to electrical energy, taking power from the engine’s crankshaft and delivering it to the battery where it is stored. The...
What Does the Diesel Engine Pre-Glow Warning Light Mean?
The diesel engine pre-glow light turns on while your engine is warming up. If it flashes, an issue has been detected, such as a worn out glow plug.
What Do the Direction Indicator Warning Lights Mean?
The direction indicator lights signal when your car is turning left or right. If the lights flash quicker than normal, a bulb may be burnt out.