BrandoAU

So, I haven't had time to get the codes checked yet. Mostly this is due to it being so intermittent. With the dash lit up like a Christmas tree, it still runs great. She purs like a kitten and will get up and go. I had to replace the gas cap and clean the MAS about 18 months ago due to this issue. Here is the weird thing. I can pull onto a low downhill incline it seems and park. Come back and crank up a while later … lights are gone. It may stay off for days to weeks before coming back on. Any off the wall ideas while I am trying to get around to get the codes checked? Obviously I know it is a shot in the dark. I did notice in another thread that someone suggested replacing the battery. I have noticed that the lights get a fair amount more dim when starting at night than it used to. But, I have gotten the errors both day and at night. What say you?

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

Get the codes read and battery/alternator tested. Perhaps should it pop up again take note of what all is on; lights, heater, defrost, etc... and turn off everything you don't need to actually get to destination.

Aspect

Hm, if everything is lighting up constantly... maybe check the alternator? Do you get the low battery warning as well?

BrandoAU

Both the battery and voltage regulator test bad. Looks like a new battery and alternator. My Uncle rebuilds them, so will go that route.

Zmon

iTrader: (2)

I'd start at the battery first considering it's the cheapest and easiest to do. You'll find out pretty quick if the alternator has also gone south, although I'm assuming from your wording that the alternator probably is bad anyways. If you have a Costco membership, a 700 CCA Interstate battery is $95.

BrandoAU

Well, I did a little further investigating on my own using a volt meter. I am definitely replacing the battery. At over 4 years, it is time. Here is what I saw on the voltmeter. With engine off, I get -12.4 volts. Crank it, and I am sitting for several minutes on -14.4. It remained constant for several minutes. Over the 5-10 minutes, it gradually fell from -14.4 to about -13.05 volts. At that point, I also had the AC and SiriusXM running along with the headlights on high beams. So with all that running, it was showing about -13.05 volts. Anything look wrong there?

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

It is definitely dropping lower than it should with the accessories on. Time for that new battery AND time to test the alternator.

I've seen more ALTs fail this past 2 years on CL here than ever!