lately my battery light has been lighting off with a "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" message. but it only stays on for 15-20 seconds...a few times a day for a couple days. i thought maybe my stereo system was draining the battery (it puts out decent power but i have a 5 farad cap that i figured would be more than enough).

well, this morning on the way to work my ABS and ADVANCETRAK lights turned on simultaneously. then the message "window" turned off. i pull into a parking lot and next thing my AVIC D3 shuts off completely (those with one know it never turns completely off). my HID headlights blinked a few times and my windows werent working. my car was still running though. i turned it off and when i tried starting it again the engine wouldnt turn over. i checked the cap and it read only 9 volts.

i think my battery is dead...would you all agree? any reccommendations on what to do? i was thinking i should get a high output alternator. also, i heard that getting a better battery (like yellow top) would help. any help is greatly appreciated.

check your battery but also check the alternator as well.

I would go more towards the alt if you are cranking just fine. Take it to Autozone, they can do a free check of both alt and battery.

if your lights are dimming when you hit the stereo or honk, it's the alternator, if not, it's the battery...

i have HID...they run lower than stock so i dont think they dim

i think this happened to member mikedeezy while he was driving. i don't remember off the top of my head what it was but it was similar to your situation. he might chime in and give you a heads up on what happened to him

drove just fine after work until i turned theehadlights on....then the ABS and ADVANCETRAK lights lit up. took it to Advanced Auto Parts and the battery was dead. so i got a yellow top. they ran a alternator test too...and mines runnig at 28 amps...110 is normal. so im taking it in to the dealer this morning (its covered under warranty). thanks for the help, those that posted.