Sounds like the anti-lock brake / traction control computer is getting confused due to low system voltage. The battery light was the first warning something was wrong. Based on the weather, there's a small chance snow or ice caused the serpentine belt to slip. If you had the heater fan on "high", coupled with headlights, wipers, or other electrical stuff, it wouldn't take long to run the battery down. Your vehicle has a whole bunch of computer modules that are very susceptible to low system voltage.
Sorry I took so long to reply. If the problem has gone away, I'd blame it on a belt problem. If you're still having trouble, use a cheap digital voltmeter to measure the voltage between the two battery posts. You should find around 12.6 volts on a good, fully-charged battery. Measure again with the engine running. It must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it's low, suspect worn brushes in the alternator. If you can measure the voltages on the two small wires bolted to the back of the alternator, we can make a definite diagnosis. Those voltages will only be there when the engine is running.
caradiodoc
Feb 26, 2010 at 5:41 AM
