Battery light comes on ONLY in rain and squeak - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

fightyourway · 10-13-2010, 07:01 PM

I have a 2004 Matrix XR. When it rains the battery light comes on for a minute or so , then a loud squeak happens and the engine bogs down for a second. It happens every few minutes. Would this be a belt issue? Or alternator bad? Not sure why water is doing this, maybe splash guard is messed up , , any ideas?

mikered30 · 10-13-2010, 07:15 PM

Sounds like the serp belt is getting wet and slipping. Is it the original belt? Try a gatorback belt.

fightyourway · 10-14-2010, 07:16 AM

thats what i was thinking, it is not the original belt. i had it replace about 2 years ago from one of those quick oil stops, i have read that these belts can go pretty quick especially if its a cheap one.
i will try the gatorback belts

mikered30 · 10-14-2010, 05:37 PM

Goodyear Gatorback is a great brand.

sthuw115 · 10-16-2010, 09:03 AM

For alternate brand, try Gates.

While you have the belt out, spin the alt pulley to see if it is frewheeling (like it should). If it is catching or "tight", you know something is not right.