Chevrolet T-Series, Owner'S Manual

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Charging System Light
The charging system
light may be located in
the instrument panel
cluster, or with the
auxiliary warning lights
in the center of the
instrument panel.
It should come on briefly when you turn on the
ignition, before the engine is running, as a check to
show that it is working.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving,
have your vehicle checked right away. You
could have a loose generator drive belt or some
other problem.
Driving while this light is on will drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light
on, turn off your radio and other accessories.
Sustained driving with a generator failure could
result in a lack of back-up braking if the engine
quits or the power steering pump should fail.
Voltmeter Gage
When your engine is
running, the voltmeter
gage shows the
charging system voltage.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a
possible problem in the electrical system.
Readings in the low warning zone may occur
when a large number of electrical accessories are
operating in the vehicle and the engine is left at
an idle for an extended period. This condition
is normal since the charging system may not be
able to provide full power at engine idle. As engine
speeds are increased, this condition should
correct itself because higher engine speeds allow
the charging system to create maximum power.
You can only drive a short time on the battery.
Be sure to shut off the radio, the fan or any
unnecessary accessories and have the
system serviced.
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