Hi guys,

Wasn't sure if this is normal, but when shutting off the ignition (96 850 turbo platinum wagon), the red battery icon light (generator not charging indicator) will flash for about a second, then go out. The battery has tested good, but it does start a little slowly sometimes. Wondering if this indicates a pending failure somewhere? Or is this something normal; I've only had the car a few months.

 

If you have a volt meter you can do some simple measurements to see if the alternator or battery is maintaining the correct voltages (ie 12.6V is normal for the battery with the engine off, and with the engine running at idle it should be 14-14.5V - less if you have lights/defroster/blower working - but more than 13 or so. Personally I've never noticed one way or another so I'd also wonder if it could be some looseness in the ignition switch or just normal. Are you turning the key all the way off to the lock position or pausing at the mid point? One final thought - does the engine shut down quickly when you turn the key off or does it seem to run on for a few extra seconds (ie "diesels") causing the light to come on? If so you may be due a tune up - check your wires/plugs etc...

 

The motor shuts down right away, and the light goes out after a second whether I take the key out or not. I turn the key to the off position and remove it, pretty normal sequence I guess...