2002 Battery Light Comes On

[jdog]

I've searched the forums and found similar problems as mine but most have a few key differences. Here are the symptoms:

- In the morning while driving to work the battery light came on. After a few minutes it turned off. No other symptoms for rest of 30 minute drive.
- In the evening returning from work the battery light starts flashing. Turn off the A/c, radio, etc. Then it turns off.
-Several minutes later the volt meter goes way down to about 11 and then the battery light comes on solid and the headlights begin to dim.

I'm thinking this is a classic alternator failure right? I plan to pull the alternator tomorrow and take it into O'Reilly to be tested. I have worked on other trucks but generally much older so not nearly as much electronics. (which is why I'm asking this question)
1 - Is there something I should look at before pulling the alternator?
2 - Anything special I need to know about pulling the alternator or is it pretty much like pulling any alternator
3 - Would an obdII code reader indicate any failure in the charging system or engine/computer codes only?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[Sepiroth]

1 - Is there something I should look at before pulling the alternator? Really you want to be sure you run a complete charging sysytem check before you pull the alternator. Most auto part stores can do this for you on the truck.


2 - Anything special I need to know about pulling the alternator or is it pretty much like pulling any alternator? Other than disconnecting the battery, no.


3 - Would an obdII code reader indicate any failure in the charging system or engine/computer codes only? To my knowledge, no. Unless voltage was so low that it started to cause multiple misfires, but by the time that happens, most of your other accessories wouldn't be working.

 

[Keymaster]

My wife said the battery light came on today as well as the airbag light. Any info would be appreciated.

Chris

2002 Escalade AWD

 

[Macoy]

It could be the alternator or the FAN BELT slipping......
Check the belt if it look glace or old..(belt usually last 50k)..If not....change alternator