Check Battery and Low Oil Pressure Light

[litlchi]

I have fairly stock 2003 Boxster S. There have now been two instances where when I turn my car on, both the check battery light and low oil pressure light stay lite. The first time occurred about 3 months ago. I drove the car home and it was fine and didn't feel funny. After I turn the car off and restart it, the light disappears. My battery just died the other day so I changed it with an Autozone Duralast Gold battery and a few days later, this happened to me again. Does anybody know why I get both of these lights on? My oil level is full. Recently got my car serviced and there were no fault codes.

[Loren]

:welcome:

A weak battery or poor charging (alternator issue) can cause all kinds of strange electrical anomalies.

[JFP in PA]

Along with load testing the new battery (would not be the first dud new battery I have seen), I would also check your alternator output (should be slightly over 14V and idle).

[litlchi]

Along with load testing the new battery (would not be the first dud new battery I have seen), I would also check your alternator output (should be slightly over 14V and idle).

I just tested my battery and alternator. The battery was registering 12.3 or so with the car off. When I turned the engine on, I got 14.0 and at 2000rpm, it was 14.12. Does that mean it's okay? I'm hoping it was just that one time after my battery was changed.

[JFP in PA]

Alternator voltage sound OK. Just a by-the-by, voltage is not how you check the battery, the best method is a load test (current output over time), which requires the use of a device designed for the purpose.

[logray]

If you take your alternator to most good parts stores (napa/etc.) they have machines to bench test them per JFP's suggestion and will test them for free and give you a nice print out at the end.

Also if you have a battery charger in these situations I like to remove the battery and charge it overnight.

Edited August 15, 2011 by logray