Chrysler Repair: 1993 plymouth laser dash indicator lights, mitsubishi eclipse, plymouth laser

Question
-the models that ive been told share with the laser is the eagle talon and the mitsubishi eclipse  im sorry this doesnt really tell you if it is foreign or domestic because i dont really know with all the names  it has  the basic way i can describe the symbol is a small box with lines thru it with a round small ball on top  not a lot of help i know  i am having issues with the battery and altenator so it could be the battery sign but nothing ive done so far has helped repaired battery cable connections as well as bought a new battery  the altenator seems to be working but the guy at the auto parts store used a machine that said its  showing ok but he believes theres a problem with the diode <spelling> because the engine drags while idling i have no idea if this helps much  but either way thanks for your time and effort  lisa ------------------------
Followup To
Question -
in my laser i have a yellow dash indicator light on the left side i thought it was the radiator but was told it was the battery/ alt can you clarify i cant find the answer online or in the book i have  thanks
Answer -
Hi Lisa,
Is there any symbol with the light? If so what does it look like? I don't know much about the Laser model. Can you tell me is that American made (in which case does anyother car made by Chrysler share that body design so I can look it up in my '92 and '94 model shop manuals)? I don't have any '93 manuals or for the Laser specifically, so I need to relate it to others of the same time frame and body design. If it is foreign made I am really of no help.
But tell me about the symbol on the light. You could also go to a Chrysler dealer and ask at the parts department to look up the Laser dash in their computer where there will be a diagram showing what light is where.
Roland

Answer
Hi Lisa,
That symbol might be that of a battery (the lines being the lead plates inside, the round ball being one of the battery posts) which would mean something is wrong with the charging system. If so, the first thing to do (besides what you already have done) is observe whether the headlights dim noticeably as the engine speed drops down to idle. If it does, that means the voltage output of the alternator is not what it should be. If the alternator drive belt is not excessively loose (press on it at a location between the two pulley that drive it and see if it deflects more that 3/8 inch which if it did means you have to adjust the tension of the belt) then the issue is the alternator itself. I believe most alternators of the '90's have all the electronic voltage regulation devices built-in to them (including the diodes) so the most likely fix is a rebuilt alternator. But again, I am making several assumptions about you car because I don't have any literature about it. And yes, it is designed in Japan so it is a foreign design if not manufacture. If you have a set of wrenches you can probably replace the alternator yourself. I would be inclined to remove it and if there is a local auto electrical alternator rebuilder take it to them for checking and rebuilding if necessary. I think you get a more reliable job if you have your old one rebuilt locally rather than trading it in at a mass market auto parts store.
But do try to get someone familiar with the dash to verify that the symbol is a warning for the charging system.
Roland