Battery light on dashbord is staying on

[HotCarl]

'97 Tahoe, battery light stays on after it starts up. This is a brand new battery I installed today. Does this mean I have a problem with the alternator, is it dead?

 

[retorq]

Get a multimeter, start the truck, red to positive, black to negative and read the DC voltage. Should be 14ish. If it's 12ish your alt is bad or weak. You can check the alternator similarly and determine if it's a wiring issue or really the alt.

 

[HotCarl]

Would most auto parts stores do that test for free, like Shuck's, AutoZone, etc??

 

[retorq]

The ones here do yes.

 

[99Yukon_Z71]

99.9% chance your alternator is NOT charging. While you are at it, you should get the optional HD 140 Amp alternator! Goodluck

 

[HotCarl]

OK, so i drove it to class today. When I first started it up the battery light stayed on, and the dash gauge went up above 14 volts then stayed steady at 12... battery light then went off for the entire drive to campus which is about 8 minutes.
After class I'm taking it to Shuck's to get it tested and replace it if its bad. What is the advantage of the heavy duty Alt??

 

[HotCarl]

Replaced Alternator and Serpentine Belt, works great!

 

[AtomicHoe094]

well glad to hear it all worked out for ya, a ** alternator would of been wise if you would of had some electrical accessories like elec fans, more lights, subs and crap like that, no need to worry with the stock 105amp for you

 

[retorq]

I love when this kinda stuff happens.

 

[HotCarl]

Yeah I don't have many accessories, so I went with the regular one.