98 Buick LeSabre “volt” dash light
 

I just replaced the alternator and serpentine belt, I checked the battery voltage afterward with a multimeter (14.7 engine running and 12.5 not running). I then noticed the dash light “volt” was on. Any suggestions?

No rush on needing a response...safe at home order still in effect for covid-19.

Thanks in advance.

Was this light on prior to replacing the batt and belt?
Dos the light stay on at all times, or just come on and stay on after you start the car?

The light was not on before the replacement. Once the dash gauge registers around 14 volts, the light comes on and stays on. I checked all the connections and terminals, all are clean and tight.

Does it have the old-style gauge cluster or the new style gauge cluster?

Old style has the old-fashioned speedometer needle that sweeps from waaay left to waaay right like many cars in the `60's and `70's, and mostly has idiot lights instead of gauges.

The new style has `90's style analog gauges.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmf...e8b1ea94f.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmf...c973e5c95.jpeg
It has an old style gauge and an idiot light for those who can’t understand a gauge.

Your volt meter is reading good but the light is on. Hook up your scan tool an check system voltage with engine running. What do you get?

I’ll have to take it to a shop. The only thing I have besides the multi meter is an OBD-II reader.
Thanks for the replies.

Tom

You could try going by one of the car part stores like Advance Auto, they used to scan for codes for free, some Actron scanners like they have can show live data, and could display voltage.
They may not be able to help, but it is worth a shot to ask..

Codes won't get it. Need to see the system voltage in live data mode. You can test the circuit for the light. It may be shorted which is what the PCM does to turn it on.

Yeah I know, that is why I suggested trying someplace like Advance, they have Actron Scanners, and some Actron Scanners can read Live Data, I know because the one I have can.
Theirs are probably the cheap ones though, and may not show Live Data..