Hi guys can anyone confirm that the battery light should light up when ignition is turned on and then go out when engine starts? Mines does this.
Shouĺd the battery light then come on(with engine running)when alternator isn't charging? My car doesnt have the light on when engine on.
Reason i ask is that the alternator is not charging the cars battery as im getting 12.5v on battery then around 11.9v with car running,im guessing the alternator has gone but i thought the light on dash would be constantly on.
Just to add the batteryis brand new.

 

From ex Auto sparks...now retired, you are correct the Warning light must come on when turning Ignition on, go off on starting, then giving 13.8V / 14V at battery, your readings engine running suggest Alternator U/S, BUT do check at the battery the "Fuseible link" [ thin type link ] these were fitted back in the day, over the years "Rot away", give heavy Volt drop and eventualy Alternator failure, most were done away with, if you don't see it on your car its been removed, and the heavy Red Alternator cable is now direct to the battery, which is perfectly OK. Peter.

 

Thanks for that very helpful, looks like alternator is no good, and no fusible link.
Funny how battery light isn't staying on though when engine running when alternator isnt working.

 

Not uncommon for Warning light not to come on....depends on type model of Alternator, of course I assume Fan belt not slipping...also if its the type of Alternator that has a "Large push in plug" for the main lead, they can burn inside, then low output...worth checking. Pete

 

As a test, I would connect a jump lead in place of the original cable.

It could also be a faulty regulator.

Martin