Hello All,

Been an eventful week. Popped the right front tire on Monday headed home from work, had to get flatbedded home due to a lack of a tire repair kit. Jacked the car up on Monday and removed the wheel. Had to order a tire and find a ride so didn't get the wheel and new tire back on the car until Thursday afternoon. Checked the oil (I saw something leaking under the car after I got the flat and assumed it was from the A/C but just wanted to make sure), started the car and went for a 2.5 mile drive. Noticed the right turn signal was blinking faster than the left (and come to find out the front bulb is out).

This morning I turn on the car and the battery light stays on. I turn off the car and turn it on again, no light, drive to work about 15 minute drive. Leave work and start the car, battery light stays on. Turn off and on, light stays on. Drive home, 20 minute drive with some traffic. I haven't noticed any dimming and the connections to the battery seem tight and clean.

So a few questions:

The service manual spells doom and gloom from that light.. belt issues, pump issues, etc. It calls out a loss in power steering which I have not experienced. Should I, as the manual says, immediately stop driving the car? I was planning on a 4 hour round trip tomorrow...

Could something have come loose or shifted from the car being tilted on jack stands for 3+ days? Didn't notice the light yesterday at all.

I assume next step would be to get the battery tested (its not the original, I estimate maybe 1.5 years old). Are there any other signs I would be experiencing if its the alternator?

Or by some miracle could the turn signal out somehow be causing the battery light without any actual electrical issues that I'll need to take care of?

Unfortunately, the new tire put a dent in my funds and its a pretty financially inconvenient time to be having problems.

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!