Why is my car battery light on?

it has an alternator problem. even new ones have been known to fail so go by looks. have it tested and when it tests bad repalace it.

the light is on for a reason and its likely not the starter. I suggest you go to any large auto parts store they usually will test the alternatorr the bsttery and the starter for free. Often time rebuilt alternators and water pumps are no good and I recommend buying a new one if available. But do not start slapping new parts in the car that never works well anyway. Take the time and get it diagnosed and fix what is wrong once. The dodge stratus had a lot of problems from 98 to 2005 there were 900 complaints over several years at www.carcomplaints.com for all kinds of problems and another website with even more complaints www.arfc.org/complaints/2000/dodge/stratus had a few more to go along with it The year 2000 alone had 200 plus complaints with about half of them being electrical or engine or drive train problems.

Give it a break. You're battery light is on and you're "thinking" about changing the starter.

My advice is to find someone who knows what they are doing before you damage the car or yourself.

Oh yeah! The alternator "looks brand new" is not a valid test for anything at all.

Battery light on means alternator is not charging battery. Does not indicate any alternator or starter replacement.

To solve the problem buy a battery brush, remove the battery terminals (negative first) and clean the inside of the terminals and clean the battery posts 'till they shine. Replace terminals (positive first) and tighten securely.

Problem solved.

Always start with the obvious things.

its the altenator. you can have it tested for free