battery and altinator

1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA
71,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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EDDIEEDDIE30
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  • 3 POSTS
i changed baterry in a 97 lumina 3.1 liter volt light was still on i read that if u changed the altinator it could take up to 30 mins. for light to go out would that be the same with the battery or do i need to change altinator also. i could jump the old battery and it would run for a few then drain again
Apr 3, 2011 at 11:26 PM
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EDDIEEDDIE30
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  • 3 POSTS
would donate but i have no card to
Apr 3, 2011 at 11:35 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,407 POSTS
The battery light means it's not being recharged by the generator, not that the battery needs to be replaced. HOWEVER, . . . Since the 1987 models, this GM generator is the worst design ever. It is very common to go through four to six of them in the life of the vehicle. What more professionals are finding out is to reduce the repeat failures, you should replace the battery at the same time. As they age, they lose their ability to absorb and dampen the huge voltage spikes these generators develop. The old battery will work fine in a pre-1987 vehicle.
Apr 3, 2011 at 11:41 PM
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