Battery light came on in instrument cluster

[Iceman203]

My battery light came on intermittently on my instrument cluster, then it stayed on while I was driving. It reset my radio presets but the truck never shut off. When I shut the truck off and turned it back on the light was off. That happened about two weeks ago and I've had no other occurances. Twice before my radio presets were reset when I got in my truck to crank it. I know whenever the battery light comes on everyone assumes the alternator, but what about the regulator? I heard they go bad sometimes. Any other reasons it would come on? A loose ground maybe? Is there a way I can test it to trace the problem? Thanks

 

[mattpresley]

Your voltage regulator is internal in alternator so, if it's bad just swap alt.

 

[Iceman203]

Is there anyway to test the alternator before I pull it off? Could it be anything else with the battery light intermittently coming on?

 

[Spott]

Is there anyway to test the alternator before I pull it off? Could it be anything else with the battery light intermittently coming on?

Auto parts stores can test your alternator. A bad battery may trigger the light, but you wouldn't be able to start the truck. Wiring or connector problems between the alternator and the gauges may also cause the light to come on.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

A bad battery will not trigger the light.

The alternator will.

 

[Earl43P]

Your symptom screams "worn brushes" to me.
Simple to crack it open to replace them...and cheap.

Not saying this is the correct one for yours, but just an example:

http://www.amazon.com/Voltage-Regulator-Alternator-Brush-Holder/dp/B005LPR1HY?tag=959media-20

Youtube has videos on the process.