This is a great little SUV. I‘ve been the only owner since I bought it Jan 2000. The only major problem I‘ve had in 7 years is the dealer changed out the cam shafts in 2005. Now the battery light is coming on. Does anyone know what a battery light on the dash indicator could mean? I‘ve looked on automotive forums and many have said to check the ground for the alternator or the alternator is going bad. I hope it‘s just the grounding. HELP!! I don‘t want to part with my Rodeo, it‘s great!
The battery light coming on simply indicates your car's battery is not getting enough charge coming in to make up for what it's giving out to run all the electrics. The first thing I'd do is to check the tightness of the drive belt that delivers power to turn the alternator. If the belt is loose or even slipping, then the alternator won't spin fast enough when it's under demand (meaning when it has to supply current) and so you won't get enough charge from it to re-supply what your battery is using. If the belt is okay then you look at the alternator itself like others have said. But always check the easiest thing first -- and in this case that means the belt. :)
Battery light comes on when your battery falls below normal charge. A normal 12v car battery should produce around 13-14v (I know it doesn't make sense!). Any time it falls to about 12 or under, that light should come on. Two possible problems: 1) your battery is bad and is not accepting the charge. 2) your alternator is not producing enough charge. It could be the grounding wire to the alternator, but in my experience this is rarely the case. If you have owned the car since it was new and haven't replaced a battery yet, that is almost certainly the cause. Either way, it is a pretty easy fix. Take it to Auto Zone and they will hook it up to a charging system analyzer for free. If it is a battery, it will cost you around $70 for a new one and you can put it in yourself. If it is the alternator it will be more expensive- about $500 plus labor. It really only takes about half an hour to put it in if you have the tools and know what you are doing. Batteries usually only last 2-3 years, and an alternator might make it 5 years. Along with the tires, these are probably the most replaced parts of any car.
Probably so they dont' look dirty and they match the road.
They are black because that is what you expect them to bethe natural color of rubber is a tan color they add tire black to the mix There are other reasons too, but that is 90% of it.
Marketing. Too much to stock for too few people who want them. I heard they tried it in Europe with little success, pure colored tyres.
