Since the cold weather started, my battery warning light stays on for a few second to a minute, after I start the car. It then fades as I press on the gas, and then goes off...until next time... which can be a couple of days or more later

This doesn't happen every time, but it seems to happen more often the colder it is (32 degreees F. or lower).

At first, I thought that it could be because the alt belt was hard and that it wasn't turning the alt properly. But when I look under the hood, the belt seemed to be driving the alt allright.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Jean

It could be a bad stator or diode in the alternator, meaning you're only getting 2/3 of the output.

The belt is more likely. With the engine off, push on one of the blades of the alternator fan and see if you can make it turn without turning the engine. Even if you see it slip just a little - you've found a belt that cannot get the job done. It may simply need tightening, or may be worn too narrow and need replacement.