Why is my battery light coming on intermittently?
20

Asked by Sherry May 14, 2018 at 07:07 PM about the 2009 Toyota Matrix FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Last week the tech at Advance Auto
replaced my battery after saying the old 1
had a dead cell (no check battery light but
headlights were flickering & car tried to
stall).

Today after a minute or so of idling at a
stoplight, the battery light turned on & off a
couple of times, & then disappeared when I
began driving again. I purposely waited to
cut off the engine when I got home, & the
light did the same thing.  Does that light
come on if the alternator is the problem?
FTR, due to an incoming storm, the AA tech
only tested the battery, & I didn't think to ask
about the alternator too since it was
replaced just 2 years ago.

2 Answers
20

Sherry answered 6 years ago

Update: Went back to Advance and a different tech tested the alternator. He said it is a little low (pulling 13.5 vs 14), and though he doesn't feel it needs replacing yet, he recommends having it checked out by a repair shop since this 1 was installed just 2 years ago. On a side note, the tech said the "check battery light" is actually an indicator for the alternator rather than the battery. The powers-that-be chose to use a battery for the icon because it's more recognizable than an alternator. Fun fact or hogwash??

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Carguru303 answered 5 years ago

This would definitely be an issue with a failing Voltage regulator which is a built in component of the alternator so the alternator would need replacing

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Why is my battery light coming on intermittently? 2 Answers

    Last week the tech at Advance Auto replaced my battery after saying the old 1 had a dead cell (no check battery light but headlights were flickering & car tried to stall). Today after a minute or...

    2009 Toyota Matrix FWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Why do my lights turn on when it gets cold outside? 4 Answers

    When the temperature gets below 20 degrees at night, my headlights turn on which in turn drains my battery all night. I have tried attaching a battery charger, but when it gets down below 10 degrees...

    2003 Toyota Matrix XR

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Why is my car grinding while I drive? 3 Answers

    My car sounds like I have metal to metal contact. It sounds a lot like braking with worn out brake pads. I get this grinding noise when the car is in motion. The noise starts at first when I brake b...

    2003 Toyota Matrix XR

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Why is my heat only luke warm? 1 Answer

    04 Toyota Matrix XR My air nor my heat was working at one point. No clicking or anything like that. We have gone through lots of different tests for the usual suspects with ac/heat issues. Topped of...

    2004 Toyota Matrix XR

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Oil pressure indicator light is on, but oil level is fine. Is it safe to drive 20 miles to the mechanic? 2 Answers

    Is it safe to drive with the red oil indicator light on to mechanic?

    2003 Toyota Matrix

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search Toyota Matrix Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Sam Samir
    Reputation
    320
  • #2
    dynasg2009
    Reputation
    310
  • #3
    Cyndy Crane
    Reputation
    290
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Corolla
115 Great Deals out of 1,958 listings starting at $2,905
Used Toyota RAV4
83 Great Deals out of 2,073 listings starting at $3,888
Used Toyota Camry
53 Great Deals out of 963 listings starting at $2,212
Used Pontiac Vibe
33 listings starting at $2,950
Used Toyota Yaris
17 Great Deals out of 201 listings starting at $5,645
Used Honda Civic
174 Great Deals out of 3,598 listings starting at $2,495
Used Honda CR-V
106 Great Deals out of 3,852 listings starting at $1,995
Used Honda Fit
10 Great Deals out of 226 listings starting at $4,299
Used Mazda MAZDA3
79 Great Deals out of 1,511 listings starting at $1,899
Used Toyota Prius
8 Great Deals out of 136 listings starting at $4,000
Used Honda Accord
40 Great Deals out of 909 listings starting at $2,799
Used Toyota Sienna
42 Great Deals out of 737 listings starting at $3,900
Used Toyota Venza
10 Great Deals out of 325 listings starting at $7,950

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.