Replaced the starter, car started right up but the battery light was on; eventually the engine died, I checked the few connections at the starter but I do not see anything that is disconnected or even loose. How does replacing the starter get in the way of the alternator charging the battery?

 

Double check the ground both the battery terminal and at the frame or body. Don’t just look at it but physically remove it and then reinstall it.

If that was not the issue then the problem may simply be the battery. Don’t assume the battery is ok , have load tested . Make sure prior the load test that is charged to min. 12.50 volts.

You should also check the ECU for trouble codes DTC. Just because the check engine light is not on or not on yet does not mean you will not find them pending.

ASE

 

Callisto;

Not questioning anything you have said in you reply, I'm not following though. I have already had the battery load tested. When the car first gave me grief when starting, the battery was the first thing I checked; took it out of the car and had it load tested, was told it was fine. That led me to the starter. The starter was replaced by a (trusted) mechanic. When i picked up the car it started just fine, but after about 1 minute the battery light came on, he was already closed and I live close so I drove it home thinking it might just be a loose connection, turns out it was not, but I'm not understanding the connection (no pun) between the starter and the alternator charging the battery. The starter was replaced, how does that cause a problem with the charging circuit between the alternator and the battery?

***Double check the ground both the battery terminal and at the frame or body. Don’t just look at it but physically remove it and then reinstall it.***
I have done both of those things on your advice, but no change; battery light still on.

***You should also check the ECU for trouble codes DTC.***
Will do this today.....

 

A battery may check fine like today but then the very next day fail a load test. Battery generally start fail in this fashion. If you think about it logically how many do you know check their batteries HEALTH regularly. Almost no one!
I know when my battery is starting it stage of decline when it will not stabilize on my charger to 13.5 volts. If it starts to show 13.4 and still passes a load test I know that that is the first sign the battery is beginning to decline. n


You can also do a fast check using a digital volt /OHM gauge to see what the idle voltage is vs about 25oo rpm voltage. It can be tested anywhere you can register 12 volts. This is only a basic voltage test not a diagnostic trouble shooting service

We will see what you find in the ECU.

Make sure you look in the 3 basic area's not just for a DTC.